The English Chess Federation’s (ECF) position is clear. We do not exclude trans women and this position will not change, despite FIDE’s new policy. Trans women have worked on behalf of the ECF and played in ECF events, as have trans women in various other chess federations. The ECF notes that similar positions have been adopted by the German Chess Federation (DSB), the French Chess Federation (FFE) and the United States Chess Federation (USCF).
The new FIDE rules are incompatible with English law, particularly with regard to the release of personal data. We cannot see the point of the two-year suspension of the right to participate in women-only competitions, which we view as discriminatory.
The ECF restates its commitment to being an inclusive organisation that is welcoming to all.