As everyone will know, it is not just because I am the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport that I take an interest in sport and in women’s and girls’ participation in it. As a person, I have always passionately believed that sport and physical activity are for everyone and are very beneficial to our physical and mental health.

Scottish women and girls in sport week is an annual campaign in which we showcase the benefits of sport and physical activity for women and girls across Scotland. The week is the highlight of my sporting calendar and an opportunity to recognise and celebrate amazing women and girls across Scotland—both those who take part in sport and physical activity and those who provide opportunities for others to participate.

As many members have said, sport should provide an inclusive space in which everyone can be themselves, in which there are opportunities for everyone to take part and in which we treat each other with kindness, dignity and respect. It has often been said in the chamber that, when it comes to transgender issues, society could be much kinder, more dignified and more respectful. As elected representatives, we should lead the way in that discourse.

As is known, sports governing bodies set their own rules on transgender participation, in line with guidance provided by the five United Kingdom sports councils. The aim of the guidance is to support sports to better understand the needs and challenges that are involved in ensuring that everyone can take part. I am sure we would all agree that sports organisations know their sports best.

Gender equality is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s vision for a fairer Scotland, so we all want to see opportunities for women and girls to be physically active in whatever way works best for them. That is important, because we know that women and girls are less likely to participate in sport and are less likely to meet the recommended levels of physical activity, with resulting implications for their physical and mental health.