“I was angry.” That’s how Lisa Hardy, a soccer player from Edmonton, describes her reaction to the new legislation tabled in the Alberta legislature this week.
Among the trio of bills is the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act.
It would ban transgender athletes from competing in leagues not designated co-ed and require school and sports organizations to report eligibility complaints.
Sport Minister Joseph Schow said sex registration at birth would determine competitive eligibility.
Hardy, who identifies as a transgender athlete and has played soccer for almost two decades, tells Global News, the legislation would prevent her from playing in women’s soccer leagues even though she has had gender-changing surgery.
“For all intents and purposes, I consider myself female,” said Hardy.
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The government defends the legislation saying it is aimed at protecting fairness and safety in sports.
“I hear from the other side that it’s unfair for transgender females to play against biological females,” said Hardy, who added, “I feel the …