Alberta's new Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, effective September 1, will exclude athletes assigned male at birth from women's sports teams. This law is impacting non-binary teen Riley Simpson, 15, who has played girls' softball for years and recently won a city championship in Edmonton. The legislation is causing distress among young athletes and their families, raising concerns about the availability of co-ed divisions and the broader implications for inclusive community sports.
Girls' softball was an inclusive sport in Alberta. For this teen, a new law could end that
AlbertaLawsSportsSoftballWomen's sports
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Alberta's new Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, effective September 1, will exclude athletes assigned male at birth from women's sports teams. This law is impacting non-binary teen Riley Simpson, 15, who has played girls' softball for years and recently won a city championship in Edmonton. The legislation is causing distress among young athletes and their families, raising concerns about the availability of co-ed divisions and the broader implications for inclusive community sports.
Trending- 1 2018: Softball Alberta's inclusion policy put in place.
- 2 June 24: Riley Simpson played what could be their last competitive softball game.
- 3 September 1: Bill 29 (Fairness and Safety in Sport Act) goes into effect.
- Transgender and non-binary athletes assigned male at birth are excluded from girls' sports teams
- Emotional distress for affected youth
- Potential end of competitive play for some
- Questions about the availability and viability of co-ed divisions
- Criticism from advocacy groups
What: Alberta's new law (Bill 29) will ban athletes assigned male at birth from women's sports teams, affecting transgender and non-binary youth like Riley Simpson in competitive softball.
When: Law goes into effect September 1 (2025). Article published 2025-07-17. Riley's last competitive game was June 24.
Where: Alberta, Canada, specifically Edmonton.
Why: The provincial government enacted Bill 29, citing 'Fairness and Safety in Sport,' to exclude athletes assigned male at birth from women's sports. Opponents argue it unfairly targets young athletes and creates problems where none existed.
How: The law mandates that athletes not assigned female at birth must leave girls' teams at school, collegiate, or provincial amateur competition levels, or play in boys' or co-ed divisions.