Julie Jaman, an 82-year-old woman from Port Townsend, Washington, has secured a $65,000 legal settlement after being banned for life from her local YMCA. The ban followed her objection to a biological male, wearing a women’s swimsuit, using the women’s locker room where young girls were also present. Jaman said she was alarmed and voiced her concerns, only to be told she was being “discriminatory” and escorted off the premises.
The Center for American Liberty represented Jaman in her lawsuit against the YMCA and the City of Port Townsend, arguing that her First Amendment rights were violated. The case emphasized that no public policy or private rule should silence individuals from expressing safety concerns, especially when minors are involved. While the monetary settlement resolves the legal dispute, the YMCA’s lifetime ban on Jaman remains in place.
CAL CEO Mark Trammell hailed the outcome as a victory for free speech and women’s rights. Jaman stated she never expected to be punished for standing up for basic privacy and safety, especially in a space historically reserved for women. Her legal team argued that the YMCA failed to adequately notify members of changes to locker room access policies or offer alternatives for those uncomfortable with the policy.
This case has reignited national debate over the clash between gender identity policies and privacy rights in sex-segregated spaces. Critics argue institutions must balance inclusion with transparency and protect patrons who raise legitimate safety concerns. Legal observers suggest the case could influence how public facilities handle gender-based access moving forward.
