A leading US feminist group is receiving an onslaught of criticism for defending the inclusion of transwomen athletes in female sports.
National Organization for Women (NOW) shared an article on X about student athletes suing over transgender policies in college sports, with accompanying text that appeared to claim people who do not support trans athletes were ‘white supremacists’.
The post said: ‘Repeat after us: Weaponizing womenhood against other women is white supremacist patriarchy at work. Making people believe there isn’t enough space for trans women in sports is white supremacist patriarchy at work.’
The post was met with over 2,000 comments, many of which were from angry women who said the organization no longer represented them.
One user said: ‘You do not support women. You no longer represent us… You are the patriarchy and we reject you… We won’t support you.’
Another said: ‘You have no business thinking you represent women.’
One user tweeted: ‘Simply amazing that the organization that fought for WOMEN’S rights now fights to allow men to subjugate them again. Just incredible.’
Dozens added that NOW is a ‘traitor of women’ that needs to change its name because it no longer supports women.
The critics claim that advocating for transwomen – people who were born male but now identify as female – to be able to compete alongside biological women is actually the patriarchy.
One X user wrote: ‘Women’s sports were created to carve out space for women where there was none and now you’re defending the infiltration of that space by men. “Making space” for men means [the women’s] space disappears.’
Another said womanhood was actually ‘not wanting men in our spaces.’
One user tweeted: ‘There is enough space for transwomen in sports, as long as they compete fairly in the correct sex class. They’re men, not women.’
NOW was founded in 1966 and has more than 550 local chapters throughout the United States. It is one of the largest feminist organizations in the country with approximately 500,000 members.
The group has been behind multiple landmark changes in the women’s movement, including helping women get equal access to public places by protesting male-only clubs and establishments.
It was the first national organization to endorse the Equal Rights Act and has helped enact numerous laws on violence, harassment and discrimination against women.
The organization had made the statement in the tweet alongside a link to an Associated Press article about college athletes suing the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
In the lawsuit, filed by 16 female student athletes, the NCAA is accused of violating the competitors’ Title IX rights.
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institute or activity that receives federal funding assistance.
The law requires schools to provide equal opportunities for girls and boys in athletic programs.
In a lawsuit filed by 16 female student athletes, they accuse the NCAA of violating the competitors’ Title IX rights
University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines (pictured) is one of 16 female athletes in the lawsuit
The lawsuit highlights a specific instance involving Lia Thomas (pictured) – a former swimmer for the University of Pennsylvania who had previously competed in men’s swimming – and Riley Gaines – a former swimmer for the University of Kentucky
The athletes specifically accuse the NCAA of violating Title IX by allowing a transgender female athlete, Lia Thomas, to compete at national championships in 2022.
The lawsuit stems from a ruling in January 2022 by the NCAA that allowed transgender athletes to compete in the category of their affirmed gender on a sport-by-sport basis.
The organization said its decision ‘preserves the opportunity for transgender student-athletes while balancing fairness, inclusion and safety for all who compete.’
The lawsuit highlights a specific instance involving Thomas – a former swimmer for the University of Pennsylvania who had previously competed in men’s swimming – and Riley Gaines – a former swimmer for the University of Kentucky.
The two had tied for fifth place in a swimming event, but the lawsuit alleges that an NCAA official told Gaines that only Thomas would be allowed to take the podium and hold the trophy.
Gaines alleged the official said: ‘I’m so sorry, we have been advised that when photos are taken it is crucial that Lia Thomas holds the trophy.’
The lawsuit states: ‘The secret of Thomas’ meteoric ascendance and dominance in NCAA women’s swimming was retained male advantage.’
It added: ‘[The plaintiffs] bring this case to secure for future generations of women the promise of Title IX that is being denied them and other college women [by the NCAA.’
In a statement, the NCAA said it does not comment on pending litigation
