Don’t let the Supreme Court ruling divide our community

In light of the recent Supreme Court verdict concerning the definition of ‘sex’ in the Equality Act 2010, EMD UK recognises the questions and concerns this ruling may raise for the group exercise community.

As the national governing body for group exercise, our priority is, and always has been, supporting instructors and participants to create welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environments.

We acknowledge that this ruling is likely to impact the way some organisations approach single-sex services and spaces, including women-only classes and facilities such as changing rooms and bathrooms. While we await detailed guidance from the Sports and Recreation Alliance and other sector bodies, we believe it is important to address the situation with clarity, care and compassion.

Respect for all

We recognise that instructors themselves, and those who take your classes may be impacted by this decision.  We encourage all instructors and facility managers to continue treating everyone with respect, regardless of their sex or gender identity. Our sector brings people together through movement, health, and shared energy. We urge our community not to let this legal development become a source of division.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that decisions around single-sex spaces or services, such as toilets, changing rooms or women-only classes, are made thoughtfully and fairly, considering both the legal framework and the diverse needs of participants.

Support for instructors

We understand that this may feel like uncertain territory for some. EMD UK is here to support you. As further guidance becomes available from sector bodies such as the Sports and Recreation Alliance, we will continue to update our members and provide practical tools to help you navigate this evolving landscape.

In the meantime, we encourage open, respectful communication within your classes and communities. If you are unsure how to approach conversations around inclusion or participant access, or feel that you are being negatively impacted by the outcome of the ruling please reach out to us for support.

A safe, welcoming space for everyone

This moment is a reminder of how vital it is to keep kindness and empathy at the heart of what we do. Group exercise has always been a space where people can feel uplifted, empowered and connected, and it can continue to be, with the right care and leadership.

We are committed to helping the sector move forward in a way that is legally informed, sensitive to individual needs, and true to our shared values, to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of group exercise in a safe, welcoming space.