Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has initiated an investigation into LifeTime Fitness in Ellisville, Mo. This action follows notifications from constituents that the gym has allowed a biological male to use women’s and girls’ private spaces. The Attorney General promptly notified the gym of potential criminal and civil liability for endangering women and girls. Subpoenas have been issued as part of the investigation.
In the notice of investigation, Attorney General Bailey stated, “It has come to my attention that Life Time Fitness has proudly adopted a policy that permits biological men to use locker rooms designated specifically for women and young girls. Even more concerning is the fact that instead of taking the safety concerns of your gym members seriously, you rudely correct them and insist they call this biological male by the ‘correct pronouns.’ While it might be considered fashionable in certain corporate boardrooms to pretend that biology is irrelevant, the American heartland still lives in reality. Missourians recognize that allowing adult men to openly invade and disrobe in spaces set aside for women and young girls is indefensible and places political correctness above public safety. That is why I am putting you on notice that you are under investigation.”
Bailey, who personally prosecuted the leading case on criminal trespass, State v. Girardier, where a male refused to leave a women’s restroom, emphasized his commitment to protecting women and girls. He stated that as a husband and father, he would not allow women and girls in Ellisville to face the same danger.
In the notice, Bailey cited the State v. Girardier case, confirming that a male’s presence in a female’s public restroom constitutes criminal trespass. He referenced Missouri statutes and court rulings affirming that restrooms are separately designated for males and females, and any violations could lead to severe legal repercussions, including charges of sexual misconduct.
Bailey asserted, “As Attorney General, I will vigorously defend and enforce Missouri’s laws. You face both potential criminal and civil liabilities, and you can expect to receive civil investigative demands from my office in short order. If you insist on endangering women and young girls in our state, in open defiance of the law, be assured you will face the consequences.”
The notice of investigation can be read here.
