Legislature Passes First Review of National Sports Act: Gender Quota for Association Boards

According to a report from CNA, the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee passed the first review of amendments to the National Sports Act today. The new provisions mandate that the composition of boards and supervisory committees in specific sports organizations must ensure that neither gender accounts for less than one-third of the total members. Exceptions may be granted with approval from the central competent authority in special circumstances.

Beyond aligning with the establishment of the Ministry of Sports, the amendment to Article 39, proposed by DPP legislators Wu Pei-yi and Chen Hsiu-pao, is significant for codifying the gender quota for sports associations.

Wu noted that while associations play a key role in sports governance, a 2025 year-end report from the Ministry of Sports showed that among 44 Asian/Olympic-related associations, fewer than 20% met the one-third threshold, and among 24 non-Olympic associations, fewer than 30% were compliant.

Chen emphasized that sports equality is a universal value. Despite years of advocacy, gender inequality persists. Breaking the gender blind spots in decision-making circles is essential to structurally ensure women's rights in sports.

The Ministry of Sports supported the proposal and included supervisors in the scope. However, legislators strongly opposed two exclusion clauses proposed by the Ministry, which would allow exemptions if the number of candidates is insufficient. Liao Shu-tzu, Deputy Director of the Sports Competition Division, expressed concerns that some associations might fail to meet statutory quotas without these exceptions.

After extensive discussion, the final text retains the provision for special circumstances, subject to approval by the central authority, which will also define the procedures and timelines for improvement.