Same-sex couples will be permitted to compete in ice dance at British events, including the national championships, from next season, British Ice Skating announced on Wednesday. The rule change forms part of the governing body's updates to championship requirements for the forthcoming season.
However, same-sex teams are restricted to national-level competition, as the International Skating Union (ISU) stipulates that pair and dance teams must consist of one man and one woman. This means British same-sex couples cannot yet compete at international events such as the World Championships or Olympics.
Britain follows national federations in Canada and Finland in adopting the change. Skate Canada became the first national body in 2022 to update its rules to allow any two skaters to form a pair or ice dance team, regardless of gender. The rule change came into effect in Finland this season, with Emma Aalto and Millie Colling becoming the country’s first same-sex ice dancing team.
The decision has been welcomed by former skaters who have lobbied for inclusivity. Canada’s triple world medallist Kaitlyn Weaver, a member of the ISU’s ice dance technical committee, has pushed for the international body to change its rule. Retired Olympic champions Madison Hubbell of the US and Gabriella Papadakis of France have performed together in exhibitions to help pave the way for same-sex pairs to compete officially.
Scott Moir, Canada’s triple world ice dance champion, has argued for the inclusion of same-sex partnerships, partly because it provides more opportunities for female skaters who face a shortage of male partners. The move is seen as a step towards greater equality in the sport.
