FIFA, sponsor of the global sports spectacle that is the World Cup, has never been known for their gender sensitivity, but the organization's latest scandal is nothing short of outrageous.
Despite repeated, fiery objections from medical professionals and players about the the ethics and scientific validity of gender testing, FIFA continues to require gender testing for Women's World Cup Players.
On paper, FIFA requires genetic testing for all athletes, but as one noted soccer expert told The Daily Mail: "I’ve never come across testing being carried out for men. The footballing authorities don’t make the men do any."
Although FIFA has tried to keep this practice under the radar, stories have surfaced of players being asked to share private gynecological records and even strip naked for inspection by their male coaches.
Such testing is particularly humiliating for athletes who are women. There is no one scientific definition of gender, therefore the dehumanizing examinations do not conclusively prove anything and can stigmatize players who officials deem insufficiently female.
Take a stand for women. Urge FIFA to stop requiring invasive, scientifically meaningless gender testing right now.
To Whom It May Concern,
As someone who cares about the rights and dignity of women athletes in FIFA's World Cup, I strongly urge you to end the requirement for gender testing of female players.
These needless tests are widely considered scientifically invalid and are incredibly invasive and dehumanizing to your players. Beyond those concerns, these tests also advance a false and stigmatizing view of femininity that is damaging to players and fans of the sport.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
