Watch: Surfer Bethany Hamilton Threatens to Boycott World Surf League Over Trans Athlete Rules
Surfer Bethany Hamilton threatening to boycott the World Surf League over the adoption of new policies for its transgender athletes.
As reported by CNN, Hamilton took to Instagram to express her disapproval over a policy that requires trans-female athletes to maintain a tester level of less than five nom/L for at least 12 months to compete. It's the same policy upheld by the International Surfing Association.
"I personally won't be competing in or supporting the World Surf League if this rule remains," said Hamilton in her Instagram video. A devout Christian, Hamilton mentioned that the new rule "concerns" her as an athlete who has competed in WSL for 15 years.
"Is a hormone level an honest and accurate depiction that someone indeed is a male or female? Is it as simple as this?" she asked.
In 2003, Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack while surfing in Kauai, Hawaii, when she was just 13 years old.
"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," she added.
According to WSL, the policy allows the sport to align itself with Olympic guidelines.
"The WSL is working to balance equity and fairness, and we will continue to evaluate the policy in the months and years ahead as more research, information, and feedback are available," WSL said in a statement on Monday.
"I really don't think at this point there is a solution that will please everyone. There are different world views and that is part of life," Hamilton wrote.
Watch her video below.