London powerlifter appeals suspension for criticizing trans policy

A London powerlifter is appealing a two-year suspension from the sport for criticizing a trans athlete’s participation in women’s competitions.

Article content

The appeal says the discipline committee of the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU) showed bias against athlete April Hutchinson, broke its own rules and tried to make an example of the athlete with a harsh penalty.

Article content

“Advocating for women’s sex-based rights and protections is about fairness and equality, not harassment, even if there are some practical issues to iron out that are uncomfortable to discuss,” the appeal, filed by London lawyer Lisa Bildy, says.

“That is not accomplished, however, by punishing those who speak up and attempting to curtail their speech. It is also not accomplished by painting such advocacy as being ‘offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading or malicious,’” the appeal continues.

Article content

The discipline committee that recommended the ban was made up of people who were involved in creating the policy Hutchinson criticized, creating an inherent bias against her, the appeal states.

The committee also failed to follow policies requiring a third-party review of its decision, or have that third party make the decision, the appeal says.

The appeal was filed to the ethics committee of the CPU and Bildy said she’s expecting it to be heard by an independent third party.

According to the appeal filed, Hutchinson wrote a letter to her provincial association and CPU executive about the issue in January 2023. She received no reply and began posting comments on social media, the appeal says.

Article content

Hutchinson bears no ill will toward transgender people, the appeal says.

“As someone who has benefited from powerlifting training and competition while recovering from her own past trauma, mental health struggles and addiction, she wants to see these opportunities available to everyone who wishes to lift, but this must be done fairly and reasonably,” the appeal states.

Hutchinson is known in London for using powerlifting to overcome alcoholism, a journey she described in a London Free Press story last year.

At a summer meet in Manitoba, trans powerlifter Anne Andres shattered a national record for women between age 40 and 50 who don’t use supportive equipment like a squat suit. They broke the record for women’s deadlift.

Andres said on social media they transitioned 20 years ago and began in the sport seven years ago.

Hutchinson appeared on UK broadcaster Piers Morgan’s show last month.

“Powerlifting is a pure strength sport,” she said on the show. “(Biological) males have a 60 to 70 per cent advantage over females. It’s disheartening. I am . . . being punished for speaking the truth.”

The discipline committee of the CPU made its decision Nov. 6. The powerlifting union could not be reached for comment.

[email protected]

Article content