Albertan Male Powerlifter Suspended for Threatening Women

Powerlifter's Harassment of Female Competitors

An Albertan male powerlifter, who identifies as a woman, has been suspended for issuing threats and harassing women who opposed his participation in female sports. The Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) announced the six-month suspension of "Anne" Andres on July 8th, following a series of death threats and harassment against his female competitors.

The ruling stated that Andres had allegedly harassed female athletes who did not want to compete against biological males. He had posted videos on social media and listed the names of athletes in social media posts in response to proposed legislation against biological males competing against female athletes.

Andres' Controversial Statements

In one particular instance, Andres compared himself to black competitors who were segregated from white players and forced to use different spaces. A black competitor lodged a complaint stating that she remained anonymous for fear of being 'cancelled' or disciplined because CPU and APU (Alberta Powerlifting Union) 'keep supporting' Andres and ignoring the safety of other athletes.

Andres has been vocal about his desire for the death of those who oppose him competing against women. In February, he expressed his views on why men should be able to compete in women’s competitions, wishing for a painful death for those who oppose this idea.

Andres' Suspension and Other Consequences

While Andres was suspended for six months for issuing death threats, another powerlifter, April Hutchinson, was suspended for two years after publicly condemning him for stealing victories from women and then mocking his female competitors on social media. Her suspension was later reduced to a year.

Interestingly, Andres himself has acknowledged that biological males have an advantage over females in powerlifting. He stated, “While the science does appear pretty clear that transgender women athletes do appear to have a sustained advantage having gone through male puberty, even after having testosterone-blocking surgery, that’s not the conversation we’re having here.”

Andres' Record and Future in Powerlifting

Andres set the national record at a championship in Brandon, Manitoba, at the Canadian Powerlifting Union’s 2023 Western Canadian Championship after outlifting the females in the category by over 200 kilograms. He won first place in the Female Masters Unequipped category.

However, the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) warned the CPU that Andres would be suspended if he continues to compete against women for violating the IPF policy. The policy states that "transgender"-identifying athletes must present identification proving they have identified as the opposite sex for at least four years prior to competing against women. The gender-confused male must also prove he has a lowered testosterone level.

Bottom Line

This case raises questions about the fairness and safety of allowing biological males to compete against females in sports. While everyone should have the right to participate in sports, it is important to ensure that the competition is fair and safe for all participants. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is everyday at 6pm.