‘In violation’: Senator warns USA Fencing after woman forfeited match to male competitor
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has sent a letter demanding that USA Fencing retract its policy allowing males to compete in women’s fencing – this after female fencer Stephanie Turner refused to compete against a male competitor last week, instead taking a knee and forfeiting the match.
As reported by OutKick, Cruz wrote, “It has come to my attention that USA Fencing is still permitting men to compete in women’s fencing in violation of federal law.”
While USA Fencing is an independent organization that does not receive federal funds, it is the National Governing Body (NGB) for fencing in the U.S. According to Cruz, that means USA Fencing must comply with federal law – notably, President Donald Trump’s executive order that bans transgender athletes from women’s sports – or risk losing its NGB status.
“Male fencers naturally possess inherent advantages over potential female competitors. Men tend to be taller, have greater muscle mass, and more testosterone – all advantages for fencing movements like lunges, jumping, or leg power measures,” the letter states.
Female fencer takes knee instead of competing against biological male
USA Fencing disqualifies & expels her from the college tournament, even though her male opponent played for the men’s team last year before switching to women’s
How is this legal?!pic.twitter.com/knTIze5Gwa
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) April 2, 2025
A previous statement from USA Fencing explains: “USA Fencing enacted our current transgender and non-binary athlete policy in 2023. The policy was designed to expand access to the sport of fencing and create inclusive, safe spaces. The policy is based on the principle that everyone should have the ability to participate in sports and was based upon the research available of the day. … USA Fencing will always err on the side of inclusion, and we’re committed to amending the policy as more relevant evidence-based research emerges, or as policy changes take effect in the wider Olympic & Paralympic movement.”
Meanwhile, as the New York Post reported, Turner, 31, has received a “courage” award from the women’s rights organization XX-XY Athletics along with $5,000.
“By taking a knee, she became more powerful than any male,” XX-XY Athletics founder Jennifer Sey said. “She’s a hero.”
“So when I took the knee, I looked at the ref and I said, ‘I’m sorry, I cannot do this. I am a woman, and this is a man, and this is a women’s tournament. And I will not fence this individual.'”
It really can be explained this simply. Amazing.https://t.co/ReT8hksViz
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) April 3, 2025
Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General, who announced Tuesday he’ll be running for the U.S. Senate, is launching an investigation of the matter over potential violations of state law.
“The investigation will uncover documents related to USA Fencing potentially engaging in false, deceptive, and misleading acts and practices,” Paxton said.
“USA Fencing is on the wrong side of history and potentially the wrong side of the law due to violations of Texas consumer protection laws. USA Fencing’s policies are not only potentially illegal, but also deeply insulting to the young women like Stephanie Turner who have sacrificed so much and dedicated countless hours to compete and succeed in competitions.
“I will fight to stop these unfair policies, and I will never back down from defending the integrity of women’s sports.”