Women’s rights campaigner Sall Grover has called for the immediate exclusion of transgender athlete Manawa Aranui from women’s netball, saying that in her opinion she is putting players at risk and undermining female sport.
Grover, founder of the women-only Giggle for Girls social media platform, made her comments after Melton South Netball Club threatened to boycott matches against Melton Central, where Aranui currently plays.
Aranui is a former elite men’s netballer who transitioned and now competes in women’s leagues, and was recently named best on ground in a Division 1 grand final.
But her inclusion in the Melbourne competition has led to player’s calling for her removal for safety reasons and threats to boycott matches she is playing in.
‘Everyone needs to ask themselves why female sport exists in the first place,’ Grover said.
‘It’s because male and female bodies are different, and bodies play sport.’
Women’s rights campaigner founder of the women-only Giggle for Girls social media platform Sall Grover has called for a transgender player to be removed from a Melbourne competition
Manawa Aranui is competing in a Melbourne netball competition, which has led to complaints from rival players
‘Sex-segregated sport gives women and girls the opportunities to excel that wouldn’t be possible if there were no exclusive women and girls’ categories.’
Melton South players have publicly stated they feel unsafe on court playing against Aranui.
‘One of the players is six foot something – it’s ridiculous,’ said coordinator Melissa Dawson. ‘Netball Victoria needs to put the safety of biological females first.’
One B Grade player told News Corp: ‘I went up for the ball and just got pushed and dropped. They’re so much stronger. I’m genuinely scared I’ll get hurt.’
Grover said there are already mixed-sex competitions available and questioned why transgender athletes aren’t directed to those instead of women’s leagues.
‘There are many mixed-sex netball competitions at the recreational level,’ she said.
Aranui previously competed at an elite level in the men’s competition before transitioning and becoming a transgender athlete
‘Everyone on those teams is making a choice to participate in a mixed-sex competition.
‘So if a person who declares themselves ‘trans’ does not want to participate in their sex class, the mixed-sex category is right there as an option.’
‘Everyone needs to remember, no one is having to do inquiries into whether females can compete on the Wallabies rugby union team, for example.
‘Aside from the fact that trans men are not demanding access to male sport like trans women are demanding access to female sport, the danger is obvious.’
‘One female on the field would change the game for everyone and put her in extreme danger.
‘Well, it’s the same for netball, just in the opposite. Males on female teams put the females in danger, while taking away the limited opportunities there are for sportswomen.’
Grover also said the current review process is unnecessary.
‘There are protections in the Sex Discrimination Act for female – only sport – look them up,’ she said.
Players have threatened to boycott matches involving Aranui in a protest against her inclusion
‘All of the sporting bodies could be relying on the legislation as it is, without any reviews, but they’re not.
‘Instead, they’re giving in to men who demand access to women’s sport. But the protections are there to be used the moment anyone decides to use them.’
In response, Netball Victoria has confirmed a formal investigation is underway.
An independent expert has been engaged to review safety concerns and determine whether policies have been correctly applied.
In a public statement, Netball Victoria reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion.
‘We support and welcome netballers of all backgrounds,’ a spokesperson said.
‘That includes gender diverse players who have rights under anti-discrimination laws.’
The organisation said its current policy, introduced in 2018, allows transgender and non-binary players to register and compete in female competitions based on their self-identified gender, not legal sex.
Grover said that Aranui should be accepted into a mixed netball competition for safety reasons
It was developed in partnership with Proud 2 Play and aligns with national guidelines from the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
‘Our goal is to ensure every player feels safe, valued and supported,’ the spokesperson added.
‘We are working closely with affected clubs to find a resolution that is lawful, inclusive and safe for all participants.’
Professor Paula Gerber from Monash University has previously disputed that transgender women are men, saying they are considered women in the eyes of the law.
‘The law says trans women are women,’ Professor Gerber said.
‘Every Australian state and territory has its own anti-discrimination laws that operate alongside federal legislation.’
Equality Australia, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, has stated there is no case for blanket bans on trans athletes and that fairness should not come at the cost of exclusion.
‘Community-level sport should focus on inclusion and participation,’ a representative said.
‘Sport is for everyone, and [Australian Institute of Sport] guidelines reaffirm the need that sporting bodies play their part in providing a safe and inclusive environment for all,’ Equity Australia national program manager of pride in sport Beau Newell said.
Aranui has already been ruled ineligible by the Ballarat Football Netball League following legal advice about strength, stamina, and physique being relevant to competition.
However, she continues to play in other leagues where policy interpretation varies.
Grover, who is appealing a Federal Court ruling against her for excluding a transgender woman from her app, insists this fight is not about hate but about protecting sex-based rights.
‘My stance is about safety, fairness and reality,’ she said.
‘It’s about women having the right to play sport without fear of injury or losing opportunity.’
