It is currently under threat by gender ideology. Fencing is already a relatively niche, male-heavy sport, so allowing self-ID to take place would significantly damage the women's competition.
I have family connections to the sport and want the women's competition to flourish. Allowing men into the women's competition is, in a word, unethical.
A consultation is currently happening. Members and non-members of British Fencing alike can respond to it -- so please, please respond!
Here is the info from their website to make sure you fill in the correct form:
- Individual Members age 16 and over – All British Fencing members age 16 and over will receive a survey in the week of the 23rd October (the first emails will go out Monday afternoon). This survey is being run by University of Hertfordshire and BF will only received anonymised results. Within the survey there are opportunities for members to make their views known via freeform comment fields and members can also provide links to additional published research if they wish that to be brought to our attention. (If you are a member please check your communication preferences in the BF membership platform – we can only send you an email if you have given us permission. If you have given us permission and not received an email by 23rd October please check your junk email and then complete this form to request a link.)
- Individual Members under the age of 16 are invited to submit their views direct to us here.
- Affiliated clubs, Home Nations and other representative bodies in the fencing community can submit their views direct to us here.
- Non Members (Individuals and Organisations) – Non member individuals who do not participate in fencing activities and other unaffiliated interested organisations can submit their views direct to us here.
If you're not sure what to respond, I've found Fair Play For Women's sport section to be a good starting point: https://fairplayforwomen.com/campaigns/sports-campaign/ Please share any other resources that may help.
Thank you.