Reason why fencer who refused to compete against trans opponent received punishment as rule break is explained

American fencer Stephanie Turner was last week expelled from a competition in Maryland for refusing to duel against a transgender opponent.

She and Redmond Sullivan were scheduled to compete at the Cherry Blossom Open, but minutes before their duel, Turner shocked spectators by taking the knee in protest.

In controversial video footage that has since gone viral, she could be seen removing her fencing mask before tossing it away.

After refusing to compete, Turner was escorted to the USA Fencing board to explain her decision, after which she says she was handed a copy of the association's transgender policy.

She was dealt a black card and informed she wouldn't be permitted to continue competing. It was also requested that Turner sign a document acknowledging her punishment, and before she was removed from the venue.

Ultimately, Turner was dealt her hotly-debated punishment after breaking a rule put into place by the International Fencing Federation (FIE).

The restriction states that no fencer is permitted to refuse competition against another fencer, who has been properly entered, for any reason.

On top of this, the move directly conflicted against transgender and non-binary policy that USA Fencing put into place in 2023.

The American board explained of this policy: "[It] is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and was based upon the research available of the day.

"USA Fencing will always err on the side of inclusion, and we're committed to amending the policy as more relevant evidence-based research emerges, or as policy changes take effect in the wider Olympic and Paralympic movement."

Addressing last week's expulsion, USA Fencing went on to tell press: "In the case of Stephanie Turner, her disqualification, which applies to this tournament only, was not related to any personal statement but was merely the direct result of her decision to decline to fence an eligible opponent, which the FIE rules clearly prohibit.

🤺🚨Historic Protest: Female Fencer Takes a Knee in Bout Against Male Opponent, Faces Immediate Disqualification

After receiving a black card for refusing to compete against a man, Redmond Sullivan's female opponent was expelled from the @USAFencing event at the Univ. of… pic.twitter.com/IloSnrb2Iu

— ICONS (@icons_women) April 2, 2025

"USA Fencing is obligated to follow the letter of those rules and ensure that participants respect the standards set at the international level.

"We remain committed to inclusivity within our sport while also upholding every requirement dictated by our governing body."

Speaking to press since the incident, the athlete revealed that her opponent had previously attempted to warn her of the potential punishments of protesting a duel.

She told Fox News of her protest (whilst misgendering Sullivan): "He doesn't understand what's happening. He asks, 'Are you OK?', And I said, 'I’m sorry. I have much love and respect for you, but I will not fence you'."

Turner continued: "Redmond says to me, 'Well you know, there is a member on the board of directors here who supports me, and there is a policy that acknowledges me as a woman, so I am allowed to fence, and you will get blackcarded', and I said, 'I know'."

The decision to disqualify Turner comes just weeks after US president Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in girls and women's sports teams.

The Republican issued his ruling by denying federal funds for schools that allow such practices.

"We will defend the proud tradition of female athletes," the 78-year-old declared at the time.

"From now on, women’s sports will be only for women. The war on women’s sports is over."

Days later, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) changed its participation policy for transgender athletes, meaning only athletes assigned female at birth could compete in women's sports.

Whilst last weekend's competition - and Turner's subsequent disqualification - was held at the University of Maryland, the BBC reports that it was not an NCAA event.