Professional pool player Harriet Haynes has lost a discrimination case against the English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF), which banned individuals not born biologically female from competing in its women’s events.
The EBPF introduced the rule in August 2023, leading to Haynes’ exclusion from the Kent Women’s A team. She argued the policy amounted to “direct discrimination” based on her gender reassignment.
However, the judge ruled that the exclusion was the only “reasonable” way to ensure fair competition, and dismissed the claim. He found the measure necessary under the Equality Act, which protects against discrimination based on sex and gender reassignment.
The ruling aligns with an April decision by the UK Supreme Court, which legally defined a woman as someone biologically female under equalities law.
Judge Parker stated that pool qualifies as a “gender-affected activity” and excluding those born male from the women’s category ensures a level playing field.
The EBPF welcomed the verdict and reiterated its support for transgender athletes in its open category. It maintained that those born male often have physical advantages in cue sports, such as greater break speed, longer reach, and a wider hand span for bridging shots.
A spokesperson explained, “The court found that pool is a game where men have an advantage, and allowing only those born as women to compete in the women’s division is necessary for fair play.”
Haynes claimed her removal from the women’s team caused significant distress and exposed her to online abuse. She also argued the policy breached her rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, including the right to private and family life.
The EBPF countered that the rule wasn’t discriminatory based on gender reassignment, as Haynes was born male.
Matt Champ, senior associate at Colman Coyle and Haynes’ legal representative, said they were reviewing the judgment and considering an appeal.
In January 2024, Haynes said she suffered “vile” online abuse after her opponent Lynn Pinches refused to play her, forfeiting the Women’s Champion of Champions final in Prestatyn.
Haynes has consistently argued that transgender players have participated in female divisions for two decades without definitive evidence of an unfair advantage in cue sports.
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