And once more into the fray - the FSM issue is raising its head in another thread. So, I thought I would canvas why people think GW has never acknowledged female Space Marines.
In fact, quite the opposite - a quote from a WD article on the Legion Astartes, re-printed in the W40K compendium:
"...These considerations mean that only a small proportion of people can become space marines. They must be male because zygotes are keyed to male hormones and tissue types, hence the need for tissue compatibility tests and psychological screening."
Now, lets ignore the science. Real life science obviously does not apply, 40K science is full of paradoxes (how come only a handful of jetbikes in the 41st millenium imperium but 'harder' technology such as titan mind impulse links still in abundance?
Staying on topic, why do you think GW has not rectified this fluff? After all it would not hurt sales - I think there must be a reason for specifically not doing so. My reasons as follows:
1. Within the paradoxical 40K science it makes sense (lost technology, females weaker whatever).
2. Within the socio-political climate of the imperium, it makes sense. (same sex military units more cohesive than mixed, attitude to females [outside cadia etc]).
3. GW just like f*cking with us.
4. GW feel no need to pander to (transatlantic?) political correctness.
5. GW couldn't give a stuff either way about PC but like the idea of an all male preserve - after all you couldn't get away with it in real life.
6. They think it would absolutely nothing to the fluff - if it ain't broken don't fix.
For myself, as it would not hurt and might enhance sales, I think reason 6 most likely.
PS don't consider the old females in power armour models to be opposing proof - I consider them precursor SoB and along the lines of the drunken Christmas Marine in terms of import to the canon.
Have at it.