ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

The discussion was prompted by new International Chess Federation (FIDE) Guidelines and dealt with whether being biologically male confers an advantage in the game.Μύ Μύ

The ECU was not in a position to determine Justin Webb’s personal opinion on the issue in question but consideredΜύ it was not necessary to do so in order to judge whether his words represented a breach of the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ’s standards of impartiality.Μύ

The ECU understood Mr Webb’s intention in using the phrase β€œtrans women, in other words males” was to underline the question arising from the FIDE guidelines but noted a press line issued at the time included an acknowledgement that his phrasing did not convey an entirely accurate impression.Μύ

In relation to impartiality, however, the ECU considered it could only be understood by listeners as meaning that trans women remain male, without qualification as to gender or biological sex, and that, even if unintentional, it gave the impression of endorsing one viewpoint in a highly controversial area.Μύ It therefore upheld this aspect of the complaint.

It did not however agree that a failure to mention the position of the English Chess Federation on this issue amount to bias by omission, given the subject and nature of this interview and its focus on the decision by FIDE to introduce a temporary ban on trans women from competing in β€œofficial FIDE events for women”.

Part Upheld