Ban on ‘sexist’ women-only swim sessions

A COUNCIL has been accused of pandering to political correctness by axeing womenonly swimming sessions – after just one man complained they were sexist.

The weekly hour-long session was cancelled by Stroud District Council for fear of breaking equality laws.

The Pulse leisure centre, in Dursley, Gloucestershire, said swim meetings would be known as ‘adults only’ instead. The council has now reconsidered after almost 6,000 signed an online petition calling the decision ‘utterly ridiculous’. Plans are on hold while councillors examine the fine print of the 2010 Equalities Act and consult swimmers.

The Equalities Act says sports centres are allowed to run single-sex sessions if there is a justifiable need for them.

Critics of the council’s decision said that women-only sessions allow them to feel safe and confident, while some attend for religious reasons. Loraine Patrick, county councillor for Dursley, said: ‘It may be the letter of the law, but is certainly not the spirit ... this is political correctness gone mad.’

Stroud council apologised and said it should have taken more time over the decision.