USA Fencing issues statement amid controversy over fencer taking a knee and refusing to play against trans opponent
Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the trans community which some readers may find distressing.
USA Fencing has issued a statement after a female fencer was handed a black card as she refused to take on her transgender opponent.
Stephanie Turner took the knee during a fencing bout with trans fencer Redmond Sullivan, in Maryland over the weekend for the Cherry Blossom Open.
Footage from the controversial moment has since gone viral, being viewed millions of times.
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The clip has been pretty divisive across social media, and some people have slammed officials for the 'massive punishment' they handed Turner by throwing her out of the games.
USA Fencing has now released a statement, defending its position on the matter.
Taking to X, the organisation wrote: "USA Fencing remains committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful community for everyone in our sport.
"We believe in the principle of creating safe communities where all athletes, and community members, have a place."
The officials did, however, acknowledge that there will be varying opinions on the incident.
It added: "While we understand there are a range of perspectives, USA Fencing will continue to engage in respectful, research based dialogue and review as policy evolves in the Olympic & Paralympic movement as well as domestic law, hate speech or targeted hate of any kind is not acceptable - online or in person."
USA Fencing concluded its statement by saying: "Let's keep the conversation respectful and the strip welcoming to all."
Within minutes of taking the knee prior to the bout, Turner was escorted to the board and asked to explain her decision for doing so.
She said she subsequently handed a copy of the association's transgender policy, and asked to sign a document acknowledging her punishment before being removed from the venue.
Speaking out about the moment, Turner told FOX News: "I am a woman and I have an athletic disadvantage to men."
Sullivan's team, Iconic Fencing Club, told the Daily Express US in a statement: "Red has followed every rule and guideline set forth by the FIE (the international fencing governing organisation) and USA Fencing (the national organisation).
"She has every right to compete in the events that she qualifies for, and has long since met the criteria to do so."
They added that there is 'no place' in fencing for the behaviour shown by Turner during the Cherry Blossom Open.
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Mia Williams