BDS man to sue gym over T-shirt
SUSPENDED from a Virgin Active gym for wearing a pro-Palestinian T-shirt, Muhammed Desai plans to sue the club with the help of the Legal Resources Centre.
The national co-ordinator for the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement is upset at his removal from its Old Eds gym in Johannesburg. He says his freedom of expression, rights of association, and his dignity have been impaired.
The national office of the Legal Resource Centre has confirmed Desai’s approach for legal assistance.
Desai, a member of the gym for almost three years, was suspended this week when pro-Israel supporters objected to his T-shirt. He said he would not stay away as the manager had requested, until he was told do so in writing.
“I told him I could take care of myself and if there was no policy on T-shirts I would continue to attend.”
Virgin Active said: “We are not in the business of restricting speech or policing personal behaviour unless it contravenes club rules, the law or carries a threat to the safety of staff and members.
“Desai’s T-shirt drew complaints from members and he was politely asked not to wear it in future. He refused and said he would force his way in if necessary.
“When he came to the club, intent on making a political statement and seeking a confrontation, the management was concerned about the potential consequences and called on the police to intervene.”
Late on Friday, the gym admitted it was wrong and let him return to gym with his Tshirt.
Despite the apology, Desai said he was considering taking the matter to the Equality Court and the Human Rights Commission.