Bethany Hamilton, a surfer, mother, and author, is speaking out against the World Surf League’s recently announced rule that would permit transgender women to compete at the highest level in competitive surfing against other women.
The Hawaii-based Hamilton is expressing concerns about the regulation change and speculating as to whether or not other professional surfers were consulted before it was made.
Bethany revealed via her Instagram account in a video, “The World Surf League has officially made the rule that male-bodied individuals known as transgender athletes can officially compete in the women’s division.”
She added “I strive to have love for all of mankind, regardless of any differences.”
But “this concerns me as a professional athlete” who has competed for the more than15 years. “And I feel that I must speak up and stand up” for others who cannot or won’t speak out about this, she said, as they “fear” they might be “ostracized” if they speak out.
“So – here I go,” she said.
“How is this rule playing out in other sports, like swimming, running and MMA?” she quizzed.
“Have any of the current surfers in the World Surf League been asked what their thoughts and opinions are on this new rule before it was passed or announced? Should there be a conversation?”.
“Is a hormone level an honest and accurate depiction that someone indeed is a male or female? Is it as simple as this?”
She also asked, “Who is pushing for this huge change?… Does this better the sport of surfing? Is this better for the women in surfing? If so, how?”
She added, “I personally think that the best solution would be to create a different division so that all can have a fair opportunity to showcase their passion and talent – and I think it’s really hard to imagine what the future of women’s surfing will be like in 15-20 years down the road if we move forward allowing this major change.”
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She also indicated, “I personally won’t be competing in or supporting the World Surf League if this rule remains.”
Trent Talbot, CEO of Brave Books in Texas, told Fox News Digital on Sunday, “What an act of bravery. I stand with Bethany Hamilton and her choice to not participate in the World Surf League if they allow men to compete in the women’s division.”
Talbot added, “God designed males and females differently with a purpose – and when we reject this, we reject God. Men do not belong in women’s sports.”
He also said, “We must take a stand against this progressive movement that would allow men to compete in women’s sports. Thank you, Bethany Hamilton,” he also noted, “for pushing past fear and standing up for what is right.”
Hamilton’s most recent children’s book is “Surfing Past Fear” (Brave Books, October 2022).
According to reports, the World Surf League has declared that all of its tours will follow the International Surfing Association’s (ISA) transgender policy.
It appears that the update is already in effect.
