NZ Human Rights Comission back transgender Laurel Hubbard's selection to compete

The Human Rights Commission has backed transgender weightlifter Laurel Hubbard to compete in the Commonwealth Games after critics said she had an unfair advantage.

The 39-year-old, formally known as Gavin Hubbard, was confirmed as New Zealand's first transgender Commonwealth representative and will compete in the World Championships on Wednesday.

Since her selection was announced, Hubbard has been subject to criticism such as that from the Australian Weightlifting Federation chief executive Michael Keelan, who said she had an unfair advantage over her competitors.

Keeland claimed Hubbard had a mental advantage over other female weightlifters because she had previously competed as a man and knew she could lift heavier weights.

But the Human Rights Commission New Zealand (HRCNZ) told Stuff.co.nz they backed Hubbard's selection and said those questioning it were wrong.

Taine Polkinghorne, human rights advisor for sexual orientation, sex characteristics and gender identity said there is no valid reason to exclude Hubbard from competitive women's sports.

"Laurel is a woman - not a man masquerading as a woman to gain medals or glory ... Participation in sport and physical activity is a human right," said Polkinghorne.

Polkinghorne said Hubbard was selected on top performance and her background should be no factor.

"She is an incredible athlete, who has met the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations related to acceptable testosterone levels that enable her to compete in sporting competitions."

But Keelan insisted that Hubbard's inclusion was unfair and said that Hubbard would still have the advantage of hormones to lift heavier weights.

"We're in a power sport which is normally related to masculine tendencies ... If you've been a male and you've lifted certain weights and then you suddenly transition to a female, then psychologically you know you've lifted those weights before," he said.

However, Hubbard's testosterone levels were proven consistent with those athletes who were female at birth and she has met all the Commonwealth Games International Federation and New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) eligibility criteria.

Hubbard will compete in the women's 90kg+ category, introduced by the International Weightlifting Federation at the start of the year. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) acknowledges athletes only as male or female with no transgender category.

Fellow weightlifting competitor Tracey Lambrechs also disagreed with Hubbard's selection and reportedly lost 17kgs to fit the under 90kg category to avoid competing against Hubbard.

"I personally don't think it's very fair that Laurel has weight lifting history and was one of our top male lifters for a long time," she said.

"Personally I think [transgender people] should be able to compete, but they shouldn't be able to take spots from other female athletes," Lambrechs told Radio New Zealand last week.

The NZOC stands by their decision to include Hubbard and Chief executive Kereyn Smith said Hubbard would be strongly supported.

"As is the case with all athletes, particularly those heading to their first games, we will work with Laurel and the wider weightlifting team to make sure she has the environment and resources she needs to represent New Zealand with honour and pride at Gold Coast 2018."