MANCHESTER, England, Dec 10 : Same-sex couples will be permitted to compete in ice dance in British events as of next season, including the national championships, British Ice Skating announced on Wednesday.

However, same-sex teams cannot compete beyond the national level, as the International Skating Union's rules stipulate pair and dance teams must comprise one man and one woman.

British Ice Skating announced the rule change as part of its updates to championship requirements for next season.

Britain follows national federations in Canada and Finland, with Skate Canada becoming 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.

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