Experts convene at European Parliament to address harms of surrogacy, following EU resolution condemning practice

  • International momentum against surrogacy grows, as European Parliament and UN condemn practice
  • Experts today in European Parliament, including UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem and ADF International’s Carmen Correas, highlighted harms of surrogacy for women and children

Brussels (19 November 2025) – Today, experts convened at the European Parliament to highlight human rights concerns surrounding surrogacy, with the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls featured as a speaker.

Speakers at the event, hosted by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Party, included the UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, Advocacy Officer at ADF International Carmen Correas, a former EU Commissioner, an Italian government minister and representatives of civil society organisations.

The event, entitled “Surrogacy: An Ethical and Political Challenge for Europe”, follows a recent EU resolution condemning surrogacy and comes on the heels of a landmark United Nations report by Ms Alsalem, calling for the global abolition of the practice.

Ms Correas said: “Surrogacy treats women and children as commodities. The European Union has taken an important step in acknowledging its inherent harms. We urge policymakers to move swiftly toward a clear, coordinated legal prohibition that protects the dignity and rights of all involved.”

Italian ECR Member of the European Parliament Paolo Inselvini, a speaker at today’s event, said: “Today it became clear that a determined European front exists, committed to stopping reproductive exploitation across the globe. We will therefore continue to fight so that Europe abandons all ambiguity and assumes a clear responsibility: surrogacy must be a universal crime.”

EU resolution on surrogacy

On 13 November, the EU passed a resolution stating that the EU: „Condemns the practice of surrogacy, which involves the reproductive exploitation and use of women’s bodies for financial or other gain, in particular in the case of especially vulnerable women in third countries; calls on the Commission to take measures to support ending this phenomenon.“

Landmark UN report

The European Parliament event follows a major development at the United Nations last month. In her report to the UN General Assembly, Ms Alsalem called for a legally binding international instrument that would lead to the abolition of all forms of surrogacy, emphasising that the practice is “characterized by exploitation and violence against women and children”.

The UN expert highlights that surrogacy:

  • intentionally separates children from their mothers,
  • commodifies women’s reproductive capacities,
  • prioritises adult desires over the rights of the child, and
  • exposes women to heightened physical, psychological, and financial risks.

The surrogacy industry is rapidly expanding—valued at $14.4 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $96.6 billion by 2033—while surrogate mothers bear the vast majority of the risks and receive only a fraction of the profits.

Widespread civil society support for banning surrogacy

ADF International joined over 180 NGOs in endorsing a civil society letter supporting the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations and has consistently advocated for national and international legal protections that safeguard women and children from exploitation.

“States must act decisively to end the grave human rights violations inherent in surrogacy. A coordinated international response—including a UN treaty—is urgently needed,” said Giorgio Mazzoli, Director of UN Advocacy at ADF International, responding to the UN report earlier this month.

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US Government Brings Plight of Persecuted Christians in Nigeria to the United Nations 

  • U.S. officials, including Ambassador Mike Waltz, singer Nicki Minaj, and religious freedom advocates elevate urgent concerns over rising anti-Christian violence in Nigeria.
  • ADF International representative joined panel of religious freedom experts, calling for continued U.S. and global action to protect Christians in Nigeria. 

NEW YORK CITY (18 November 2025) – At an event hosted today by the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN), religious freedom advocates and experts convened to highlight the escalating threats facing Christians in Nigeria. The event emphasized the need for sustained U.S. leadership and international action to address the crisis. Featured speakers included U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz; singer Nicki Minaj, who has recently spoken out in support of persecuted Christians in Nigeria; and Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International, joining a panel hosted by Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner. The panel also included remarks by Rev. Gabriel Makan, a pastor from Northern Nigeria, and Sarah Makin, former Senior Advisor to the President of the United State on International Religious Freedom. 

The speakers called for greater recognition of the targeted and widespread persecution facing Christians in Nigeria, renewed diplomatic engagement and greater actions from Nigeria to support persecuted Christians, and stronger international measures to protect vulnerable communities and uphold the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief. 

“This event demonstrates clearly that the United States under President Trump’s leadership will not turn a blind eye towards the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and worldwide, but instead will press ever harder to ensure that the entire world knows about, and takes action on, the grave persecution of Christians,” Sean Nelson.

“We are grateful that the Trump administration continues to elevate the persecution of Christians, call for the Nigerian government to stop the denials and see the CPC designation as an opportunity for greater support to end the persecution and insecurity, and appreciate well-known public figures like Nicki Minaj using their platforms to bring much-needed awareness to this dire crisis.” 

“This event demonstrates clearly that the United States under President Trump’s leadership will not turn a blind eye towards the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and worldwide, but instead will press ever harder to ensure that the entire world knows about, and takes action on, the grave persecution of Christians."

- Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

Continued Action from U.S.

Religious freedom experts have long advocated for the U.S. government to address the worsening situation in Nigeria. On 31 October 2025, the Trump Administration redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC), marking a major step forward for protecting persecuted Christians in the country.  

“Protecting Christians is not about politics – it is a moral duty,” Ambassador Waltz said in his opening remarks. “We need voices that pierce the silence we have heard from the international community, that humanize the statistics we keep hearing, and demand accountability.“

Advocates are now calling for continued action from the U.S. following the CPC designation. In a coalition letter thanking President Trump for his actions on Nigeria, signatories highlight the key steps necessary for Nigeria to undertake to protect persecuted communities, including: 1) increased security and reliable early warning systems for Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt where Fulani militant attacks are the worst; 2) swift prosecution for attackers; 3) facilitating the safe return of internally-displaced persons; and 4) repealing the country’s draconian Sharia blasphemy laws. By pressing for these measures, advocates aim to guarantee that the CPC designation leads to tangible improvements for Nigeria’s persecuted Christians and lasting protections for religious freedom. 

In addition to experts and officials, public figures have continued to speak out against the anti-Christian violence taking place in Nigeria. Among these are Bill Maher, who drew attention to the issue in late September, sparking widespread online discussion.  

Singer Nicki Minaj has been vocal online about the crisis, leading to her appearance on today’s panel.

Following the Trump administration’s CPC designation, Minaj tweeted, “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion. We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other. Numerous countries all around the world are being affected by this horror & it’s dangerous to pretend we don’t notice. Thank you to The President and his team for taking this seriously. God bless every persecuted Christian. Let’s remember to lift them up in prayer.”

Christian Persecution in Nigeria

Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian. In 2025 alone, more than 7,000 Christians have been killed for their faith, with an average of 35 murdered every single day. Since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009, estimates indicate that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have lost their lives due to religiously motivated violence.  

The destruction of churches has become a defining feature of the crisis, with over 19,000 churches attacked or destroyed in recent years. In the central regions of Benue and Plateau States the situation has worsened dramatically, with more than 9,500 people, mostly Christians, killed between May 2023 and May 2025, and around 500,000 individuals newly displaced from their homes due to targeted attacks.  

Advocacy for Nigeria’s Persecuted Christians

ADF International advocates for Christians and other religious minorities who face severe persecution across Nigeria. The organization has supported multiple individuals targeted under blasphemy laws or attacked for their faith. 

ADF International supported the legal defense of Rhoda Jatau, a Christian mother imprisoned for 19 months after allegedly sharing a video condemning the brutal lynching of Christian college student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu. Jatau was fully acquitted in December 2024, marking an important victory for justice and free expression. 

ADF International also backed the successful appeal of *David (name changed for security reasons)*, a Christian man who was wrongfully convicted and suffered torture after helping a convert escape violent threats. A Nigerian High Court ultimately overturned his conviction, acknowledging the injustices he endured. 

Today, ADF International continues its support for Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Sufi musician imprisoned for over five years after a WhatsApp message deemed blasphemous. Previously sentenced to death, Sharif-Aminu is now awaiting his next hearing before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and his case may be heard and decided in the coming months. Sharif-Aminu’s case has the potential to abolish Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, which embolden mob violence and fuel the climate of hostility facing Christians and other vulnerable groups. 

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UN-Expertin fordert weltweites Verbot von Leihmutterschaft in historischem Bericht

  • Vor der Präsentation ihres Berichts vor der UN-Generalversammlung nahm die UN-Sonderberichterstatterin für Gewalt gegen Frauen und Mädchen, Reem Alsalem, an einer hochrangigen UN-Veranstaltung teil.

  • Dort verurteilte sie die Praxis der Leihmutterschaft und erklärte, dass sie Frauen und Kinder kommodifiziere – also zu Waren mache.

  • Die Organisation ADF International nahm gemeinsam mit der italienischen Regierung an der Veranstaltung teil und begrüßte den Aufruf zu einem globalen Verbot der Leihmutterschaft.

NEW YORK CITY (8. Oktober 2025) – In der vergangenen Woche sprach die UN-Sonderberichterstatterin für Gewalt gegen Frauen und Mädchen, Reem Alsalem, bei einer Veranstaltung der Generalversammlung der Vereinten Nationen offiziell gegen die Praxis der Leihmutterschaft. Sie erklärte: “[Leihmutterschaft] ist eindeutig verantwortlich für das Verursachen von weitverbreiteter Gewalt, Missbrauch und Ausbeutung von Frauen und Kindern.“

Alsalem hat ihren neuesten Bericht am 10. Oktober vor der UN-Generalversammlung vorgestellt. Darin fordert sie ein weltweites Verbot aller Formen der Leihmutterschaft und warnt, dass diese Praxis “von Ausbeutung und Gewalt gegen Frauen und Kinder, einschließlich Mädchen, geprägt ist.“

Der Bericht fordert die Staaten auf, ein rechtlich verbindliches internationales Instrument zu verabschieden, das alle Formen der Leihmutterschaft verbietet, und drängt auf sofortige Maßnahmen, um die Beauftragung von Kindern sowie deren Vermittlung durch Leihmutterschaftsagenturen und -kliniken unter Strafe zu stellen, ihre Werbung zu verbieten, Frauen, die bereits in Leihmutterschaftsvereinbarungen eingebunden sind, durch rechtliche Unterstützung und psychosoziale Dienste zu schützen und sicherzustellen, dass die Rechte der Kinder auf Identität, Fürsorge und Schutz gewahrt werden.

„[Leihmutterschaft] ist eindeutig verantwortlich für das Verursachen von weitverbreiteter Gewalt, Missbrauch und Ausbeutung von Frauen und Kindern.“

– Reem Alsalem, UN-Sonderberichterstatterin über Gewalt gegen Frauen und Mädchen

Veranstaltet von der italienischen Regierung, findet die Veranstaltung vor dem Hintergrund einer wachsenden internationalen Bewegung zum Verbot der Leihmutterschaft statt. Im Jahr 2024 wurde Italien das erste Land, das Leihmutterschaft sowohl im Inland als auch im Ausland verboten hat. Im vergangenen Monat verabschiedete die Slowakei eine Verfassungsänderung, die diese Praxis untersagt.

„Leihmutterschaft sollte nicht nur im Inland verboten werden, sondern auch auf internationaler Ebene angegangen werden“, sagte Eugenia Rocella, italienische Ministerin für Familie, Geburtenrate und Chancengleichheit. „Die italienische Regierung ist überzeugt, dass … bestehende internationale Abkommen zum Schutz der Rechte von Frauen und Kindern aktualisiert werden sollten, um Leihmutterschaft ausdrücklich als eine Praxis zu benennen, die die Würde untergräbt und Ausbeutung mit sich bringt.“

Der Bericht beschreibt, wie Leihmutterschaft Kinder absichtlich von ihren Müttern trennt, natürliche mütterliche Bindungen zerstört und ihre Rechte auf Identität, Fürsorge und Schutz vor Gewalt untergräbt. Er betont außerdem, dass selbst „altruistische“ Leihmutterschaftsvereinbarungen sowohl Frauen als auch Kindern schaden, indem sie menschliches Leben als Ware behandeln.

„Ein grundlegendes Problem der Leihmutterschaft liegt in der vertraglichen Festlegung der Trennung zwischen einer Frau und dem Kind, das sie austrägt, was das Risiko birgt, das Kind als passives Objekt einer Vereinbarung zwischen Erwachsenen oder als Handelsgut zu behandeln“, heißt es in dem Bericht. ADF International, das an der Veranstaltung teilnahm, begrüßt den Bericht als einen Meilenstein für die weltweite Bewegung zur Beendigung der Leihmutterschaft. Bei der Veranstaltung im Vorfeld der Präsentation betonte die juristische Organisation die Notwendigkeit sofortiger Maßnahmen der Staaten, um Leihmutterschaft zu verbieten.

„Leihmutterschaft beruht auf einem System der Gewalt, das sowohl Frauen als auch Kinder entmenschlicht. Die Staaten müssen eine koordinierte internationale Antwort entwickeln, um die schwerwiegenden Menschenrechtsverletzungen zu beenden, die dieser Praxis innewohnen“, sagte Giorgio Mazzoli, Direktor der Rechtsabteilung für die Vereinten Nationen bei ADF International „Wir würdigen die Sonderberichterstatterin dafür, dass sie die Schäden dieser ausbeuterischen Industrie aufgedeckt hat, und fordern die Regierungen weltweit auf, sich zu vereinen, um Leihmutterschaft in all ihren Formen und auf allen Ebenen zu beenden – einschließlich der Verabschiedung eines UN-Abkommens, das die Praxis weltweit verbietet.“

Die Organisation gehörte zu den Initiatoren eines Schreibens der Zivilgesellschaft zur Unterstützung des Berichts der Sonderberichterstatterin, das von über 180 NGOs unterzeichnet wurde und den Appell an die Staaten bekräftigt, Leihmutterschaft weltweit zu verbieten.

Hintergrund

Der Bericht der UN-Expertin beschreibt die globale Leihmutterschaftsindustrie als einen rasant wachsenden Markt, der im Jahr 2023 auf 14,4 Milliarden US-Dollar geschätzt wurde und bis 2033 voraussichtlich 96,6 Milliarden US-Dollar erreichen wird. Trotz ihrer lukrativen Natur fließt der überwiegende Teil der Gewinne an Agenturen und Vermittler, während Leihmütter die Hauptlast schwerwiegender körperlicher, emotionaler und finanzieller Risiken tragen.

Frauen, die sich einer Leihmutterschaft unterziehen, sind häufiger von Schwangerschaftskomplikationen, Depressionen und posttraumatischen Belastungsstörungen betroffen. Viele sind Zwang, Ausbeutung und invasiven medizinischen Eingriffen ausgesetzt, und selbst „altruistische“ Vereinbarungen beinhalten oft die Trennung von Kindern und ihren Müttern, die Kommerzialisierung der reproduktiven Fähigkeiten von Frauen und die Vorrangstellung der Wünsche von Erwachsenen gegenüber den Rechten des Kindes.

ADF International bleibt dem Schutz der Würde des menschlichen Lebens sowie dem Schutz von Frauen und Kindern vor Ausbeutung verpflichtet. Die Organisation setzt sich für rechtliche Schutzmaßnahmen ein, um die Leihmutterschaft zu beenden und die Kommerzialisierung menschlichen Lebens zu verhindern.

Rechtliche Situation in Deutschland

In Deutschland ist Leihmutterschaft durch das Embryonenschutzgesetz verboten. Dennoch besteht eine rechtliche Grauzone: Deutsche Staatsbürger können im Ausland Leihmutterschaften in Anspruch nehmen und die dort geborenen Kinder anschließend legal nach Deutschland bringen. Auf Kinderwunschmessen informieren ausländische Agenturen offen über ihre Angebote. Dabei werden die unterschiedlichen Rechtssysteme verschiedener Staaten gezielt genutzt – von der Eizellspende in Spanien über die Befruchtung in der Ukraine bis zur Geburt auf Zypern. Kritiker wie die Publizistin Birgit Kelle sehen darin ein internationales Geschäftsmodell, das Frauen in Armut ausbeutet und die nationale Gesetzgebung umgeht.

Dr. Felix Böllmann, Jurist und Leiter der europäischen Rechtsabteilung von ADF International, betont: “Leihmutterschaft ist mit den Menschenrechten unvereinbar. Wenn wir diese ernst nehmen, müssen wir etwas dagegen tun.“

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US State Department Panel Decries Censorship at UN High-Level Week

UN undermines parents' rights by pushing gender ideology.
  • Free speech experts raise concerns about the rise of free speech violations across Europe and UK to the UN
  • ADF International’s Kelsey Zorzi underscores global threats to free speech, citing EU Digital Services Act.
UN undermines parents' rights by pushing gender ideology.

NEW YORK CITY (Sept 25) – In a significant show of concern, the U.S. State Department hosted a panel discussion at United Nations High-Level week on Thursday. Experts addressed rising global censorship, highlighting the UK and Europe. Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom with ADF International, highlighting growing threats to free speech across the world.

“With hundreds of active cases in dozens of countries across six continents, we have a unique vantage point from which a clear picture has emerged: censorship is becoming more aggressive, more coordinated, and more global,” said Zorzi.

“Censorship is becoming more aggressive, more coordinated, and more global."

- Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International

The panel, on the margins of the UN High-Level Week before the 80th Session of the General Assembly, follows a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee of the US Congress, where ADF International similarly warned US lawmakers of the threat of censorship growing across Europe.

Escalating Censorship Across the World

Zorzi described the state of censorship in the EU as “highly concerning.” She highlighted the case of Päivi Räsänen, a sitting Finnish Parliamentarian facing criminal prosecution for tweeting a Bible verse, now before Finland’s Supreme Court.  ADF International is coordinating Rasanen’s legal defence.

Another major concern raised  was the reality that Europe is exporting censorship worldwide through the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), including to the United States.

Zorzi stated the following on the censorial impact of the DSA:

 “The DSA is a brazen attempt to create a global Censorship Industrial Complex, not only for the EU but for the entire digital world. It is imposed on all platforms used by Europeans, regardless of where those companies are based. Any content found objectionable under EU rules may be banned everywhere.

“While EU regulators have denied that the DSA promotes censorship within Europe or abroad, just this week, in response to investigations carried out by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, the internet giant Google expressed its own concerns that ‘the DSA may pose [risks] to freedom of expression within and outside of the European Union.’

“We’ve also already seen just how far governments will go in censoring online speech, and there is no reason to believe that EU regulators wielding the enormous bureaucratic power of the DSA would have any more restraint.

“The UK already arrests 12,000 people every year—over 32 people a day—for allegedly offensive online posts. The Brazilian Supreme Court has recently held that digital platforms like X should be held directly liable for posts allegedly constituting “hate speech” if they are not removed, a decision that has led, in part, to the U.S. placing sanctions on Brazilian officials. EU officials have previously even threatened X with massive fines merely for hosting a conversation with then-Presidential candidate Donald Trump.

“In a similar manner to the EU, the UK has embarked on the path of online censorship with the introduction of the so-called ‘Online Safety Act’ which is already being used to censor perfectly legitimate political speech as ‘illegal content’, like the EU’s Digital Services Act the UK’s Online Safety Act gives government regulators power to impose enormous fines on tech companies- which leads to a compliance mindset.”

Zorzi called on governments to take action, stating that, “While the current EU censorship landscape is highly concerning, the weeks ahead are critical, as the DSA comes under mandatory review this November. Many European leaders already have a vice grip on the global public square. Nations and organizations that support free speech anywhere must push back now before that vice grip becomes a chokehold.”

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United Nations experts call for immediate release of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, denounce blatant human rights violations in Nigeria

Nigerian prisoner Yahaya Sharif-Aminu
  • Experts with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention call for the immediate and unconditional release of Nigerian Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. 
  • Sharif-Aminu currently remains in prison while awaiting Supreme Court appeal following death sentence for sharing allegedly “blasphemous” song lyrics on WhatsApp; ADF International is supporting his appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. 
Nigerian prisoner Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

GENEVA (3 DECEMBER 2024) The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) has called for the immediate release and reparations for Nigerian Yahaya Sharif-Aminu in a just-published opinion. Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging in 2020 for sharing allegedly “blasphemous” song lyrics in a closed WhatsApp group. He is currently awaiting appeal at the Nigerian Supreme Court with the legal support of ADF International. 

In their opinion, the WGAD finds that Nigerian authorities deprived Sharif-Aminu of various fundamental human rights in international law, including freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression, and urges Nigerian authorities to “take the steps necessary to remedy the situation” without delay. The WGAD also urges the government of Nigeria to “ensure a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary detention of Mr. Sharif-Aminu and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of his rights.” The full opinion can be read here. 

“We are grateful to the members of the WGAD for speaking out on Yahaya’s behalf and for their denouncement of the blatant human rights violations he has been enduring,” said Sean Nelson, legal counsel for ADF International. “It is past time for Nigerian officials to heed the advice of human rights advocates across the globe, release Yahaya and abolish the blasphemy laws that have plagued religious minorities in Nigeria for far too long. No person should be punished, prosecuted, or threatened with death for their peaceful expression and their faith. We pray for Yahaya’s unconditional release and for all people worldwide to continue to raise their voices on his behalf.” 

Kola Alapinni, international human rights lawyer and lead attorney on Sharif-Aminu’s case, said: „The WGAD has reviewed the full facts of the unjust charges against Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, and have come to a clear and decisive statement that his rights have been violated grievously. I thank them for their call for his immediate release. Officials in Nigeria should listen—Yahaya’s ongoing detention is indefensible.“ 

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A video from ADF International features testimonies from Yahaya’s mother, father, and uncle, who recount the traumatic experiences endured by Yahaya and their family.

Death sentence for “blasphemy”   

In 2020, Sufi Muslim Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death by hanging for “blasphemy”. His alleged crime involved sending song lyrics on WhatsApp that were deemed blasphemous toward the prophet Mohammed.    

With support from human rights legal advocacy group ADF International, Sharif-Aminu has appealed his case to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and is challenging the constitutionality of Sharia-based blasphemy laws. He remains in prison awaiting the Supreme Court appeal. His case is far from an isolated incident. Together with minority Muslims, the persecution of Christians in Nigeria is especially severe. In 2022, approximately 90% of all Christians worldwide that were killed for their faith were in Nigeria.   

International pressure has been mounting to free Yahaya and end blasphemy laws. Last year, the European Parliament overwhelmingly called for the immediate release of Sharif-Aminu, and a group of 209 international and Nigerian human rights advocates wrote to then-Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, calling for Sharif-Aminu’s immediate release. 

In addition, in May of this year, United Nations experts called for Sharif-Aminu’s immediate and unconditional release.  

Sharif-Aminu’s potentially landmark Supreme Court appeal could end blasphemy laws in his home state of Kano and across northern Nigeria. A positive decision could lead the way toward abolishing blasphemy laws around the world.  

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The Race to Save Girls’ and Women’s Sports is Worth Running

Save girls' sports

We must keep female sports for women and girls only

Save girls' sports UN and ADFI

Ensuring equal opportunity and fairness is the cornerstone of all sport.

However, local, national, and international policies increasingly allow males who identify as female to compete in sports reserved for women and girls. The whole reason sex-based sports categories exist is to ensure fair competition by accounting for physiological differences, therefore enabling sports to reward genuine merit and excellence. 

And yet, gender ideology is playing a significant role in the attempt to erode this biological foundation by claiming that gender identity—how one personally experiences one’s gender—may not necessarily align with one’s biological sex.

This radical ideology argues that each person should be permitted to compete on a sports team that aligns with their gender identity rather than biological sex, contributing to egregious violations of the rights of female athletes when males are allowed to invade their sports and spaces.

Gender Ideology’s Role in Undermining Women and Girls’ Sports

When laws and policies lose touch with the biological reality that men and women are inherently different, it’s women and girls who suffer the most.

Every woman and girl, from aspiring young athletes to seasoned professionals, deserves fair and safe access to spaces dedicated to female athletes. The future of women’s sports—and the opportunity for every girl to dream and compete—depends on this vital commitment to fairness.

A recent story out of San Jose State University in California illustrates the growing concerns around fairness in women’s sports. The university’s women’s volleyball team added a male player to its roster, prompting several other teams to cancel their matches against SJSU. While no official reasons for these forfeits have been given, the implications are clear.

A Matter of Fairness

Dr. Gregory Brown, an exercise science professor, has extensively explored the topic of male advantages in sports. In a white paper, he highlights that male athletes generally have a jumping advantage of approximately 15-20 percent over female athletes. Additionally, males spike the ball with greater speed, giving them a 29-34 percent edge in this area. Moreover, men generally possess greater height and muscle mass, providing clear benefits on the volleyball court.

It’s abundantly clear why female volleyball players wouldn’t want to compete against male athletes.

According to a recent UN report from August 2024, no less than 600 female athletes in 29 different sports have lost in competitions to male competitors. And we know the issue is not simply about medals. It’s about the countless opportunities, including academic and professional, a female athlete forfeits when a male displaces her. It’s also about basic safety, both on and off the playing field.

When female-only spaces such as locker rooms and restrooms are open to males, the privacy, safety, and security of women are compromised at the most basic level.

As debates over fairness and safety in women’s sports intensify, legal and policy frameworks worldwide are being scrutinised more closely. And the demand for clear, principled policies safeguarding female athletes is growing urgent. Thankfully, a bold response is emerging on the international stage.

Calling on Leaders to Ensure Fairness in Girls’ and Women’s Sports

ADF International, alongside our colleagues at Alliance Defending Freedom in the United States, is advocating for the rights of female athletes, standing up for the truth that female sports must be female-only if they are to be safe and fair.

In October, ADF International convened a panel to bring this critical conversation to the UN. Addressing government leaders and UN officials, the event brought together prominent advocates for protecting women and girls’ sports. Among the speakers were former West Virginia State University athlete Lainey Armistead, British Olympian swimmer Sharron Davies, CEO and President of Alliance Defending Freedom Kristen Waggoner, and the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls Reem Alsalem.

Armistead joined a lawsuit to defend a law in West Virginia ensuring that only women compete on women’s sports teams. That lawsuit has passed through the court system, and Alliance Defending Freedom asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. Joining Waggoner at the UN, Armistead said: “I’m here today because we’ve all seen what happens when males are allowed to compete on women’s teams.

From track to boxing to swimming, it’s demoralising and unfair—and just plain wrong.” Armistead recounted stories of women being sidelined and even injured in these situations. She highlighted that just one male athlete had already displaced nearly 300 female athletes in West Virginia.

Davies underscored that the biological differences between men and women put female athletes at a distinct disadvantage, stressing the need for safety measures in women’s sports. Waggoner, alongside the athletes, affirmed that equality and non-discrimination—especially regarding sex—are core principles of international human rights law. “When female sports aren’t protected,” Waggoner warned, “it does grave harm to women and girls.”

Waggoner concluded with a plea: “Our hope at ADF is that the international community will turn its attention to this critical issue—ensuring women and girls can pursue sporting opportunities should they desire, and protecting female athletes… Our plea to the world is to learn from the mistakes that have been made and that are now being corrected, so that your daughters, so that my daughter, can walk into a future of fairness and safety in sport.”

The International Implications

In 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revised its guidelines on transgender athletes, aiming to adopt a “more inclusive” approach to sports. However, this shift inevitably raised serious concerns about fairness and safety for female athletes.

In response, several international and national sports federations—including the World Aquatics, World Athletics, World Rugby, and the International Cycling Union—have decided to protect female-only categories. These organisations affirm that biological and physical differences remain relevant to fair competition in sports, so they’ve reinforced these categories to protect competitive balance and safety.

What the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Says

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” Article 3 of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women affirms that women are entitled to fully enjoy and be protected in all human rights and fundamental freedoms—whether in political, economic, social, or civil spheres. This includes specific rights such as freedom from discrimination, access to the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health, and protection from torture or any cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.

While the Universal Declaration does not directly mention sports, activities related to sports are widely recognised as part of the broader rights to education and cultural participation, as outlined in Articles 26 and 27. These rights affirm that everyone should be able to engage in sports and cultural activities that foster personal growth, community, and equality.

How We Can Ensure Girls’ and Women’s Sports Remains Fair

Establishing female categories has never been about division; rather, it’s about empowering women and girls and creating a fair playing field.

By raising this issue on an international stage, we’re bringing crucial attention to the challenges women and girls face as their sporting opportunities are impacted by the inclusion of males in female sports.

Conclusion: Laws Must Reflect Basic Fairness

We aim to uphold laws that recognise the fundamental biological differences between men and women. Through global alliances and strategic advocacy at both national and international levels, we believe meaningful change is within reach.

At its core, this issue is about protecting the dignity and respect female athletes deserve. We must ensure that the future of women’s sports remains a fair arena where women can compete without facing disadvantages from biological disparities or gender ideology. Protecting these principles is essential to preserving the integrity of female sports for generations to come.

This is a matter of basic human rights, and we must reaffirm, without hesitation, the imperative of safety and fairness in sports for women and girls.
Will you stand alongside us?

Collegiate and Olympic athletes, global human rights leaders call on UN to protect safety and fairness for women in sports

Save girls' sports
  • Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, U.S. collegiate athlete Lainey Armistead, Alliance Defending Freedom CEO Kristen Waggoner and global leaders appeal to UN to keep women’s sports fair and female-only. 
  • ADF International convenes UN event alongside Paraguay, Cameroon, Morocco and Malaysia to advocate for human rights of female athletes across the globe.  
Save girls' sports

NEW YORK CITY (17 October 2024): At United Nations Headquarters in New York City yesterday, female athletes and international leaders called on the international community to preserve and protect fairness and safety in sports for women and girls.  

Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, U.S. collegiate athlete Lainey Armistead, and ADF CEO Kristen Waggoner, UN Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, were among those that addressed government and UN officials during an event convened by ADF International as part of the ongoing 79th session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, 16 October.  

In her address, Armistead, a former West Virginia collegiate athlete represented by Alliance Defending Freedom, shared: “West Virginia has a law that ensures that only biological women can compete in women’s sports. Yet during my time as WVSU, I began to hear stories of women getting sidelined – and even getting hurt – while competing against males in women’s sports. In just the last three years, the one male athlete who has been allowed to compete against girls in West Virginia has already displaced nearly 300 girls. And that’s just one athlete.” Armistead’s lawsuit to defend West Virginia’s protections for women in sports has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.  

Armistead continued, saying “I’m here today because we’ve all seen what happens when males are allowed to compete on women’s teams… it’s demoralizing and unfair, and just plain wrong.”  

“Females are at a physical disadvantage. This doesn’t mean that we’re worse or better, it just means that we’re biologically different,” said Davies, who competed as a swimmer at three different Olympic games and addressed the gathering virtually. “I don’t know a single person that wants to exclude anybody. However, we do want to see women have fair and safe sport. And we cannot wait until a woman is seriously injured or worse still, killed, to be able to deal with the science and the obvious and the common sense.”  

Video: Sharron Davies‘ virtual remarks

The U.S. and International playing field 

Kristen Waggoner, CEO, president, and general counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom and ADF International, joined the athletes on the panel, testifying to the work being done by the organizations to protect women’s sports: “International law has long recognized equality and non-discrimination – including on the basis of sex – as a fundamental pillar of human rights. Unfortunately, many countries have fallen short of their human rights obligations toward women and girls in sports. We’ve learned the hard way that if female sports aren’t protected, it does grave harm to women and girls.”  

Waggoner continued, saying “Our hope at ADF is that the international community will turn its attention to this critical issue – ensuring women and girls can pursue sporting opportunities should they desire AND protecting female athletes from harm and indignity. Our plea to the world is to learn from the mistakes that have been made – and that are now being corrected – so that your daughters can walk into a future of fair and safe sports.” 

In addition to advocacy in the international community by ADF International, Alliance Defending Freedom is representing Lainey Armistead and other female athletes who are looking to protect women and girls from having to compete against males. The Alliance Defending Freedom is also challenging the Biden-Harris Administration’s rewrite of Title IX protections for women and girls.  

Pictured: Lainey Armistead & Kristen Waggoner

Global protections for women and girls 

Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, joined the calls to protect female-only sports at the event, remarking that,“Women and girls in sport are experiencing new forms of discrimination based on their sex. One glaring example is the opening the female category of sports to males, further undermining their access to equal opportunities and the right to participate in safety, dignity and fairness. In fact, I do not hesitate to say that the failure to protect the female category is one of the most egregious forms of violence against women and girls as the essence of being ‘female’ is willfully pushed aside and ignored resulting in distress, pain, humiliation, frustration, and anger at the loss of dignity and sheer injustice confronted.”  

In December 2023, Alsalem publicly warned the Biden Administration that altering the definition of women in “Title IX” would result in “loss of privacy, an increased risk of physical injury, heightened exposure to sexual harassment and voyeurism, as well as a more frequent and accumulated psychological distress due to the loss of privacy and fair and equal sporting and academic opportunities.”    

Giorgio Mazzoli, Director of UN Advocacy for ADF International, said: 

“Female sports and spaces belong to women and girls. Under international law, States have an obligation to prohibit and prevent discrimination on the basis of sex. The voices of women and girls whose achievements have been directly affected by male participation in female sports categories can no longer be ignored. It is past time for States and sports bodies across the globe to follow the science and uphold safety and fairness in female sports.” 

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