Transgender pool player Harriet Haynes has lost a discrimination claim against the English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF), which banned transgender women from competing in its women’s competitions.
Haynes argued the policy amounted to direct discrimination on grounds of gender reassignment, but Judge Parker dismissed the claim, ruling the exclusion was justified as necessary for fair competition.
The court agreed with EBPF’s argument that biological males hold physical advantages in cue sports.
Haynes expressed disappointment with the decision and is considering an appeal. The EBPF welcomed the judgment, emphasising that transgender players remain eligible for its open category.
