Semenya ruling 'missed opportunity', says local organisation
An LGBTQ
organisation in Durban feels the European Court of Human Rights played it safe
in its ruling on the Caster Semenya case.
On Thursday, the court ruled that the Swiss judiciary failed to give the double Olympic champion a fair trial.
This after Semenya challenged a rule forcing her to lower her testosterone levels to be able to compete as a woman.
The 34-year-old athlete, who has differences in sexual development, has always been legally identified as female.
She has been barred from defending her 800m title since 2018.
The top European court also ordered the Swiss state to pay Semenya 80,000 euros in legal costs.
Semenya has welcomed the ruling saying it marks a significant step in protecting the rights of athletes.
However, Nonhlanhla Mkhize, from the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre, feels the court missed an opportunity to take a stronger stance in support of Semenya and other affected athletes.
"They could have gone further than just saying that the hearing was unfair.
"They could've taken a very clear and straightforward stance that says everyone that has been subject to such humiliation, to such human rights abuses - let them go back to the sport, let them go back on field. It's their careers that are currently being victimised."
Meanwhile, the South African Commission for Gender Equality says it is still studying the judgment.
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