Transgender pool player loses discrimination case

A transgender pool player has lost a lawsuit against one of the sport’s organizers.

In August 2023, the English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF) forbade players who weren’t biologically female from its women’s competitions and teams.

Harriet Haynes, a professional player, claimed that the organization’s gender reassignment constituted “direct discrimination” against her.

However, a judge in the court dismissed her claim and said he thought exclusion was the only “reasonable” way to ensure “fair competition.”

Representatives for Haynes said they were unhappy with the decision and are considering whether to file an appeal.

The UK Supreme Court made the landmark decision in April, confirming the country’s legal definition of a woman under equalities law.

The Equality Act protects people from discrimination based on a variety of characteristics, including “sex” and “gender reassignment.”

The EBPF expressed satisfaction with the decision and expressed its openness to transgender players.

It was claimed that male cue athletes who were born and went through male puberty exhibit specific physical advantages, such as greater hand span, quicker break speeds, quicker break-through times, and longer reach.

The court determined that only those who were born as women can compete in our women’s competitions and that fair competition is necessary.

Haynes claimed that she had been subjected to hurtful remarks on social media and that her exclusion from the Kent Women’s A pool team had caused her distress and upset.

She claimed that the policy was in violation of the European Human Rights, which includes the right to respect a person’s privacy and family life.

However, the EBPF claimed that because she was “born male,” the rule did not apply to her.

We are considering the decision and our next steps, including whether or not we file an appeal, according to Matt Champ, senior associate at Colman Coyle, who represented Haynes.

After Lynn Pinches, Haynes’ opponent, refused to play her, and she conceded the Women’s Champion of Champions final in Prestatyn, Haynes claimed in January 2024, that she had been subjected to “vile” and “horrific” abuse online.