Court dismisses suit against Planet Fitness transgender locker room policy
Midland County, MI — A judge has dismissed a suit against Planet Fitness following a transgender locker room controversy.
Yvette Cormier said she joined Planet Fitness so she could stay in shape. What she didn't expect was to see a transgender woman, in the woman's locker room. She complained and Planet Fitness revoked her membership.
"This is very unprofessional; it's very scary," Cormier told TV5 in a previous interview.
Planet Fitness claimed Cormier violated the gym's non-discrimination policy. She said she was never told about that policy, and on March 23, she filed a lawsuit against Planet Fitness in Midland County Circuit Court.
In it, Cormier said Planet Fitness' policy on gender identity creates a hostile and offensive environment for women and children, claiming that allowing a transgender women into the locker room is an invasion of privacy that also impedes on civil rights.
The suit also claims that canceling Cormier's membership without making her fully aware of its policies is a breach of contract.
"They should point that out before you sign up to join their gym or post it on the front of the bathroom door," Cormier said in a previous interview.
Cormier is seeking more than $25,000 in damages for the loss of her membership and severe emotional distress.
On Jan. 11, a Midland County Circuit judge, Michael Beale, dismissed the suit. Beale ruled the policy alone wasn't sufficient to create a hostile environment.
Cormier's lawyer, David Kallman, issued a press release following the dismissal, promising Cormier would be filing an appeal.
"Mrs. Cormier filed this lawsuit to protect women and children and to hold Planet Fitness accountable for its irresponsible policy and actions. It is clear that the appellate courts in Michigan will have the final say in this case."
TV5 received an email from Planet Fitness on March 23, which said it will not comment on pending litigation, but it's been stated before the company stand by the policy.
