Aontú Councillor Condemns LGFA’s Transgender Policy as “Unsafe and Unfair” but Motion Blocked by Council

03.03.2025

A motion calling on the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) to reverse its controversial transgender policy was defeated at a meeting of Meath County Council on Monday, March 3rd. The motion, proposed by Aontú Cllr. Emer Tóibín, sought to prioritize player safety and fairness in women’s Gaelic football by urging the LGFA to scrap its policy, which permits male-born athletes to compete against women and girls.

Cllr. Tóibín raised serious concerns about the lack of consultation before the LGFA implemented this policy in February 2023 and questioned whether female players were even insured against injuries caused by biological males on the pitch.

"Are female players insured in case of injury by male-born Gaelic players?" she asked, highlighting the significant physical differences between men and women in terms of muscle mass, height, and testosterone levels.

She emphasized that while inclusivity is important, it must not come at the expense of women’s safety and fairness in sport.

"People should never lose sight of common sense," she stated. "The rights of one person must not infringe on the rights of another. That’s why, like so many others, I found the decision by the LGFA to allow male-born Gaelic football players to compete against girls and women startling. The decision was unexpected, made in secret, and imposed on female players without any discussion or consultation."

Cllr. Tóibín revealed that grassroots players, club coaches, parents, and even club chairpersons nationwide were blindsided by the decision.

“I have yet to meet one person in favor of this policy,” she said. "The overwhelming concern is player safety—on and off the pitch. How could a women’s sporting organization relegate the safety of their players in this manner?"

She also questioned whether the LGFA had sought legal advice regarding insurance coverage if a female player were to be injured in a collision with a male-born player, given the clear biological advantages men retain in speed, strength, and endurance.

Additionally, she raised concerns about privacy and safeguarding issues in shared changing rooms and showers, questioning whether any provisions had been made for female players uncomfortable with the policy.

Despite the legitimate concerns raised, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Sharon Tolan called a vote, and the motion was defeated by 15 votes to 9, with one abstention.