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Transgender Athlete Dispute Sparks Victorian Parliament Appeal

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 21:15 GMT by Sky News Australia
      Locales: Victoria, AUSTRALIA

Melbourne, Victoria - January 31st, 2026 - The issue of transgender athletes' participation in girls' and women's sports has resurfaced dramatically in Victoria, following a direct appeal to Parliament by 14-year-old Bella Thompson and her mother, Kelly. Bella alleges she was physically assaulted during a school sporting event in 2023 by a transgender student. This incident has ignited a fresh wave of debate regarding safety, fairness, and inclusion in youth and amateur athletics, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of existing policies.

Bella, then 12, testified before Victorian Parliament on Thursday, accompanied by Liberal MP Moira Deeming. Details of the alleged assault, which occurred during a 12-13 year old girls' competition, remain under investigation, but the Thompson family asserts the incident left Bella deeply distressed and shaken. Kelly Thompson, speaking to Sky News Australia and reiterating her statements to Parliament, emphasized the family's desire for girls' sports to remain "safe and fair", allowing young female athletes to compete "on a level playing field".

The case has rapidly become a focal point for those advocating for stricter regulations surrounding transgender participation, particularly concerning potential physical disparities. While proponents of inclusive policies highlight the importance of allowing transgender individuals to participate in sports aligning with their gender identity, concerns have been raised about potential advantages in strength and physicality, potentially jeopardizing the safety of cisgender female athletes.

Moira Deeming, the Liberal MP supporting the family, argues the incident demonstrates a critical need for open discussion and policy refinement. "This isn't about exclusion; it's about ensuring that girls have the opportunity to compete in a fair and safe environment," Deeming stated. "Current policies, in some cases, are demonstrably failing to adequately protect female athletes from potential harm and unfair competition."

The Thompson family is specifically requesting a full review of current Victorian Education Department policies concerning transgender athletes in school sports. They seek consideration of factors such as biological differences and the potential impact on female athletes' safety and opportunities. This isn't simply about one incident, they argue, but about preventing future occurrences and establishing clear guidelines to protect all athletes.

Victoria's Education Department released a brief statement acknowledging the incident and emphasizing its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. However, the department declined to comment on the specifics of the alleged assault, citing student privacy. The statement affirmed that all students have the right to feel safe and supported, and the department works with schools to achieve this goal.

The incident and the subsequent parliamentary address are occurring within a broader national and international conversation about transgender rights and inclusion. Sports governing bodies worldwide are grappling with how to balance inclusivity with fairness and safety. Some organizations have adopted policies based on hormone levels, while others are exploring alternative frameworks.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) released updated guidelines in late 2025 outlining a more nuanced approach to transgender inclusion, emphasizing case-by-case assessments and prioritizing athlete welfare. However, these guidelines are not legally binding and are primarily advisory for national sporting organizations.

The debate in Victoria is particularly charged, as it follows a period of increased public discussion regarding gender identity and rights. Advocacy groups on both sides of the issue have expressed strong opinions, and the incident has been amplified through social media, further fueling the polarization.

Experts in sports medicine and ethics suggest a multifaceted approach is needed, involving thorough risk assessments, consideration of developmental stages, and ongoing research into the physiological effects of hormone therapy. They also stress the importance of creating supportive environments for all athletes, regardless of gender identity. The situation demands a careful and empathetic approach that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders and prioritizes the well-being of young athletes like Bella Thompson.