Virgin Active to Base Changing Room Access on ‘Biological Sex’

Virgin Active, a prominent gym chain, has updated its club rules, stating that changing rooms and bathroom facilities will now be designated based on “biological sex.” This change means that trans people will no longer be able to use the facilities that align with their gender identity.

The company implemented the new policy following an April Supreme Court judgment in the FWS v Scottish Ministers case. This ruling affirmed that the definition of “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act refers to “biological sex.” According to a Virgin Active spokesperson, the decision is legally binding on the business, which is why they updated their rules.

In an email to members, the company stated that individuals must use the facilities “that match their biological sex.” They also noted that many clubs already provide single-occupancy, non-gendered facilities and are working to make them available at all locations to ensure everyone’s comfort.

Independent journalist Owen Jones criticised the move, saying it creates a “hostile environment” that drives trans people from public life. While the Supreme Court ruling allows for the exclusion of trans people from single-sex spaces, it does not mandate it. The legal interpretation of the judgment is still ongoing, and several experts have questioned its validity.

Legal researcher Claire Broadley, for instance, has argued that the judgment was based on an “incorrect understanding” of equality law and should not be used as justification for excluding trans people from public spaces.

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Source: PinkNews

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