The Missouri attorney general is investigating a major gym chain after it allowed a transgender woman to use a women’s locker room.
Eris Montano, who has legally changed her gender, was harassed by another gym-goer at Ellisville Lifetime Fitness on Monday.
A dispute arose since then and eventually the police were involved after someone filed a complaint on Friday morning, FirstAlert4 defeated.
Following complaints from constituents, Rep. Justin Sparks called for an investigation and the matter was taken up by Attorney General Andrew Bailey.
“While it may be fashionable in certain corporate boardrooms to pretend that biology doesn’t matter, the American heartland is still alive and well,” Bailey said in a statement.
Missouri Attorney General is investigating Lifetime Fitness chain after it allowed trans woman Eris Montano to use a women’s locker room
“The people of Missouri realize that allowing adult men to openly enter and undress in spaces reserved for women and young girls is indefensible. Furthermore, they put political correctness above public safety.”
He confirmed that he is “issuing subpoenas” and that the gym could potentially be held criminally and civilly liable for posting, ‘Missouri Women and Girls at Risk’
He argued that Montano’s presence in the women’s locker room could amount to criminal trespassing.
Montano, 52, became the subject of an outcry over the gym’s trans-inclusive policies after Sparks held a press conference demanding an investigation.
“We have decided to take a stand and ensure that the safety of our community comes first,” Sparks told the crowd.
However, counter-demonstrators also showed up to show their support.
Montano maintains she was merely exercising her right to exist in public and says she takes great care to protect her privacy and avoid conflict.
Montano, who has legally changed her gender, was harassed by another gym-goer at the Ellisville gym on Monday
Rep. Justin Sparks (R-Wildwood) called a press conference after receiving complaints from constituents about the issue
Protesters and counter-protesters came to the press conference
“There are a lot more people in the locker room who have come up to me and hug me and tell me that I belong there,” she said.
“People who think others would find nudity in locker rooms attractive are telling themselves that the rest of us aren’t even remotely turned on by it,” she added in a post on X.
Minnesota-based Life Time Fitness said its policy simply violated Missouri law.
“In this case, the member presented a state-issued driver’s license that identifies her as a female. Under Missouri law, we cannot refuse or discriminate based on gender,” the statement said.
‘Therefore, the member must use the women’s locker room at Life Time.’
Montana said she was also able to reach a resolution with lawmakers on Friday, but she did not specify what that resolution entails.
AG attorney Andrew Bailey promised to “issue subpoenas” and said the gym could be held criminally and civilly liable
Lifetime Fitness said it was only following state law since Montano legally transitioned gender
“Tonight I spoke with conservative rural Missourians and came up with a solution to the locker room conundrum. A solution that should satisfy everyone who wants a real solution (the idea came largely from them and I am SO grateful),” Montana wrote.
“I will never NOT believe in engagement and listening and I will still demand justice from anyone who has slandered me or abused their position in government to deny my rights as a citizen.”
Ellisville police confirm that an investigation is underway to determine whether a crime actually occurred.