USA Fencing prepares to change transgender policy amid federal probe, backlash after athlete's kneel protest

Fencer Stephanie Turner appears on OutKick's "Gaines for Girls" podcast to talk about blowback from protesting against trans inclusion in women's sports.

USA Fencing announced Thursday that it is preparing to change its gender-eligibility policy, after a viral protest by women's fencer Stephanie Turner sparked mass backlash and federal intervention by protesting a trans opponent. 

The organization said it is preparing to amend its current policies that allow biological males to compete with women and girls in the event that it is "forced" to change it. 

"In the event that USA Fencing is forced to change its current stance in accordance with oversight bodies or federal legislation, the new policy states athletes competing in USA Fencing-sanctioned tournaments must compete according to their biological sex," the announcement read. 

The proposed updated policy ensures that women's category "will be open exclusively to athletes of the female sex." The men's category "will be open to all other athletes who are otherwise eligible for competition."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The change would go into effect across sanctioned competition levels, including Division I, IA, II, III, Junior, Cadet, Youth, Veteran and all other categories. 

If adopted, this policy is solely to ensure future compliance required by oversight organizations. This policy does not reflect any change in our strong support for each individual's right to identity," the announcement read. 

"We recognize that many people — particularly transgender and non-binary athletes and their supporters in fencing clubs nationwide — will be profoundly impacted if this policy takes effect." 

Turner spoke out against the organization and its