Lyle Shelton's Call for Legislative Change

Lyle Shelton, the Family First NSW Legislative Council candidate, has pledged to ban biological males from female sports competitions if elected in March 2027. This announcement aligns with recent debates about gender eligibility in sports.

Reports on Sydney radio revealed that biological males are participating in women's AFL competitions, using self-identification for eligibility. Shelton criticises these policies as 'madness' and insists that sporting fairness and safety must be prioritised.

According to Shelton, "Women and girls should not have to wait until someone is seriously injured before sporting administrators and politicians rediscover biological reality."

Legal and Political Context

Women's rights advocate Kirralie Smith faces a NSW Supreme Court appeal over a $95,000 vilification penalty. She had raised concerns about male participation in women's soccer competitions, highlighting the ongoing controversy.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has been criticised by Shelton for not addressing the implications of the government's gender policies. Minister for Women Jodie Harrison's reluctance to define 'woman' is seen as undermining women's rights protection.

Skepticism about the Liberal Party's stance is expressed by Shelton, who points out Liberal leader Kellie Sloane's participation in events promoting LGBTQA+ ideologies. He claims that both major parties have facilitated what he perceives as policy 'madness.'

Family First is determined to enact legislative measures to secure female-only spaces in sports and other areas. This move emphasises the importance of fairness, privacy, and safety for women and girls. Shelton states, "Family First will fight to restore common sense to NSW law and public policy."

The debate over gender and sports has intensified since the NSW government's changes to birth certificate laws, allowing biological sex to be declared personally. Shelton argues that this undermines the integrity of women's sports.

Family First aims to be a voice for common sense, biological reality, and the rights of women and girls, according to Shelton. The party plans to pursue legislative protections for female-only sport, changerooms, and other sex-based spaces if elected to the NSW Parliament.