USA Fencing has revised its gender eligibility policy, addressing longstanding controversy and criticism regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s competitions. The revised policy, which takes effect in August 2025, mandates that athletes must compete in the female sex category. This change comes amid a wave of public backlash, legal challenges, and congressional scrutiny, including a high-profile viral protest by women’s fencer Stephanie Turner. The organization cited new guidelines from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as the basis for the policy change, stating that the update aligns with national standards and ensures fair competition for female athletes.
The controversy surrounding the policy began in April when footage of Stephanie Turner, a women’s fencer, kneeling to protest a transgender opponent at a competition in Maryland went viral on social media. Turner was disqualified and given a black card for refusing to face the trans athlete, sparking widespread backlash against USA Fencing. The incident led to a federal hearing, where Turner testified against USA Fencing chair Damien Lehfeldt, accusing the organization of favoring transgender athletes in women’s sports. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Subcommittee’s hearing on “Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” intensified the debate over the inclusion of trans athletes in competitive categories.
In response to mounting pressure, USA Fencing announced in late April that it would update its gender-eligibility policy to ensure the women’s category would be “open exclusively to athletes of the female sex.” However, the new policy does not explicitly exclude all biological males, leaving room for interpretation. The organization also declined to clarify how the policy will be enforced, whether mandatory sex testing will be implemented, or if amended birth certificates will be accepted as proof of biological sex. These ambiguities have sparked further legal and ethical debate over the fairness and transparency of the policy.
The changes to the policy were attributed to a federal executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which mandated the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to develop athlete-safety guidelines to prevent unfair competition. USA Fencing stated that its new policy aligns with national standards and the executive order, emphasizing its commitment to athlete safety and fair competition. However, the USOPC’s guidelines do not provide clear directives on transgender inclusion, only referencing the Trump executive order to ensure a “fair and safe competition environment.” This lack of specificity has raised concerns about the enforceability of the policy and its potential impact on athletes’ rights.
The controversy has also drawn legal attention, with two USA Fencing board members filing a lawsuit against the organization’s chair, Damien Lehfeldt, and other board members. The plaintiffs allege that Lehfeldt made false statements to Congress during the May 7 hearing. USA Fencing has defended the lawsuit, stating that it will take a strong stance in court to protect the organization’s integrity. Despite these legal challenges, the organization remains focused on its mission to advance fencing and support its members.
The debate over gender eligibility in sports continues to be a contentious issue, with advocacy groups, athletes, and policymakers divided on the best approach to ensure fairness and inclusivity. As USA Fencing moves forward with its updated policy, the organization faces ongoing scrutiny from athletes, supporters, and critics alike, as well as the potential for further legal and regulatory action.