Following a recent Supreme Court ruling clarifying the definition of “woman” and “sex” in gender legislation, business leader and gym chain owner Duncan Bannatyne has publicly advocated for single-sex spaces within gyms nationwide.
The unanimous decision by Britain’s top judges affirmed that these terms refer exclusively to biological women and biological sex. This ruling addresses concerns raised by campaigners who feared erosion of women’s rights, and has been celebrated as a victory for clarity and “common sense” by supporters of biological women’s rights groups like For Women Scotland.
Bannatyne, owner of Bannatyne Leisure Centres, expressed his views on social media:
“I hope all gym owners will join me now in agreeing that single sex spaces for women means biological women. No gym should ever allow men into women’s changing rooms.”
The issue of designated spaces has gained significant attention recently. Michelle Dewberry previously challenged Virgin Active’s policies regarding female changing areas, highlighting the importance of safeguarding these environments.
Bannatyne’s statement resonated widely, with numerous individuals expressing support:
- Michelle Dewberry: “Men should never, ever have been allowed into single-sex spaces where women & little girls were naked. It is WRONG.”
- Sharron Davies: Expanded the concern to include swimming pools, noting many women had avoided sessions due to discomfort with male presence in changing rooms.
- Sophie Corcoran: Praised Bannatyne’s gyms for their commitment to providing safe and secure environments for women.
Bannatyne further criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, referencing the leader’s past difficulties defining “woman” and his previous assertion that “trans women are women.” He questioned whether Starmer would now apologize for this stance.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch echoed these sentiments, declaring:
“Saying ‘trans women are women’ was never true in fact and now isn’t true in law, either. A victory for all of the women who faced personal abuse or lost their jobs for stating the obvious. Women are women and men are men: you cannot change your biological sex.”
Badenoch concluded with a celebratory remark: “The era of Keir Starmer telling us that some women have penises has come to an end. Hallelujah!”
