GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi issued the following statement on World Rugby’s adoption of a new policy excluding transgender women:

World Rugby’s decision to ban transgender women from the sport is unjustifiable and profoundly disappointing. For nearly 20 years, transgender athletes have been allowed to play and there is no reason to exclude them now. This is a policy that demeans all women athletes. As a rugby player and queer advocate, it is devastating to have a sport that has meant so much to me and so many other LGBTQ athletes turn its back on us.