Virgin Active says changing rooms ‘designated by biological sex’

Virgin Active has announced that Gyms will eliminate trans people under new guidelines to use changing rooms and bathrooms that correspond to gender identity.

The private gym chain has notified customers of club rules updates. The rules outlined rules and regulations within the Virgin Active Branch that enforce customers to use facilities based on “biological gender.”

In an email issued to a customer shared by independent journalist Owen Jones on X/Twitter, the company spokesman argued that the changes were changed to “comply with the law.” FWS v Minister of Scotland Supreme Court decision.

An unanimous Supreme Court decision issued in April argued that the definition of “sex” in the Equality Act of 2010 referred to the definition of “biological sex” and “female” as “biological women.”

This decision, which is not legally unenforceable, has since been used as justification for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), among other institutions, and recommends exclusion of trans people from facilities that match gender identity.

General section 8 of Virgin Active Club rules Customers and visiting members using changing rooms or other facilities marked “male” or “female” said they should choose one that suits their biological gender.

An addendum to the clause states that efforts are being made to ensure that gender institution signs are “clearly prominent and easy to find,” but that unisex facilities within the company’s gym can be used by anyone.

Jones accused Virgin Active’s policy of creating a “hostile environment” for gym members.

“Trans people are being kicked out of public life,” he continued. “This is a huge injustice and it won’t last. It won’t stop here and now, it’s a monster.”

A spokesman for Virgin Active said in a statement to PinkNews that “we granted the UK Supreme Court’s decision in April that confirmed that the Equality Act of 2010 is biologically defined. This decision is based on the UK for all other gyms and similar facilities across the UK. Obligation.”

The spokesman added: “Most of our clubs offer single-occupying, non-gender facilities that anyone can use, making them available to us all at every location as soon as possible, and we are also investigating and implementing interim measures to ensure the comfort and welfare of all our members while completing this work.

“Like many people in our industry, we are waiting for more detailed guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to help us implement this ruling. Meanwhile, we are focusing on implementing these legal requirements in a way that reflects our values.

“Our commitment to safety, inclusivity and support for the health and well-being of our members remains unchanged.”

The UK Supreme Court’s ruling from April is not legally enforceable. Additionally, the EHRC interim guidance that encourages trans people to ban the use of appropriate gender facilities is not legally binding.

The study, published earlier this week by legal researcher Claire Broadley, FWS v Minister of Scotland The ruling was based on a “false understanding” of the Equality Act.

Broadley analysed the Supreme Court decision, claiming that the panel misaligned legislation unrelated to the Equality Act of 2010, but did not consider the important case law that established a precedent regarding the rights of transpeople to access gender institutions.

“[The ruling] Giving every indication that it is wrongly determined, in our view, we should not rely on organizations as justifications to exclude trans people from the general life. ”

Virgin Active has urged anyone with concerns about what changing rooms are suitable for sending emails [email protected] Alternatively, call the customer service line at +44 208 167 6480.