The women's basketball team has canceled a game, accusing a transgender player of abuse, while the Christian opponent denies the allegations.

A women's college basketball team in Vancouver, Canada, is refusing to play a Christian university's team due to alleged abuse against a trans athlete. The Christian university has denied the allegations.

On Wednesday, Vancouver Island University announced that it will not participate in upcoming games against Columbia Bible College due to a violation of the Coach's Code of Ethics by a Columbia Bible coach during an earlier game on Oct. 25. The transgender player was treated disrespectfully by the coach.

"VIU condemns intimidation, harassment, and discrimination in athletics and supports the safety and well-being of all student-athletes."

The school has requested the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) not to penalize the team for not playing.

Planet Chronicle Digital received a statement from Columbia Bible regarding Vancouver Island's decision and statement.

"The accusations that CBC, its coaches, players, and fans pose a safety threat are unfounded and misguided."

The Columbia Bible's statement stated that the university was working on a safety plan, which included enhanced security measures for games involving the trans athlete.

In order to ensure a safe environment, CBC collaborated with PACWEST to develop a specific event safety plan for the games. The plan was created in cooperation with VIU and the Abbotsford Police Department. The plan included additional security measures, among other things.

The players on Vancouver Island's team have signed a letter stating that they do not feel safe playing at Columbia Bible due to the October incident.

Harriette Mackenzie, a third-year forward and an openly transgender player, has been reported by multiple outlets.

On Oct. 30, Mackenzie posted a video on the athlete's Instagram page, accusing Columbia Bible head coach Taylor Clagett of cornering one of the athletic staff and going on a tirade about how Mackenzie should not be allowed to play.

A Columbia Bible player intentionally tackled Mackenzie to the ground, according to her.

The trans athlete stated, "I was two-hand chucked to the ground by No. 13 without a play on the ball in sight, and head coach Clagett applauded in support."

Mackenzie's statements were inaccurate, as claimed by Clagett in her Instagram post.

She wrote that her intention was not related to a particular athlete, but rather the safety of female athletes in their sport.

The university states that Mackenzie's participation is in accordance with conference policy, while Vancouver Island has filed a formal complaint to PACWEST regarding the ongoing investigation.

The college strictly follows the rules and regulations set by PACWEST and CCAA, including the CCAA's policy on transgender student-athlete participation.

The PACWEST released its own statement on the matter on Nov. 1.

The PACWEST acknowledges that transgender student-athletes have recently gained public attention. As a member of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), the PACWEST adheres to national policies and procedures for all sports that lead to CCAA championships, including the CCAA's policy on transgender student-athlete participation.

"The PACWEST promotes education on diversity and inclusion and transgender individuals in sport through the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). It is essential to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants in sport."

In the U.S., President-elect Trump has pledged to prohibit trans athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports. Additionally, Trump has frequently proposed that Canada become the 51st state.

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