UPDATE: The Roanoke fitness club which revoked a man's membership after realizing his family consisted of 2 gay fathers and a son has changed it's membership policies. Read details below:
ROANOKE, Va. (AP) - A Roanoke fitness club has changed its membership policies after a gay man sued after it sold him a family membership, then revoked it after realizing that his family consisted of two fathers and a son.
Carilion Clinic, the parent company of Roanoke Athletic Club, said Thursday on its Facebook page that it will offer household memberships to cohabiting couples and their dependent children under age 22 who live with them.
William Trinkle sued the club and Carilion last week, alleging breach of contract and violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. He said he, his same-sex partner and their son were barred from using the facilities because they didn't meet club officials' definition of a family.
Trinkle's lawyer said his client is pleased with the change
Previous details of this story found below
ROANOKE, Va. (AP) - A Roanoke man has sued a fitness club after it sold him a family membership, then revoked it after realizing that his family consisted of two fathers and a son.
William Trinkle is suing Roanoke Athletic Club and its affiliate, Carilion Clinic, for breach of contract and violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. Trinkle says that he purchased a family membership in May for himself, his partner, Juan Granados, and their 2-year-old son, Oliver. Club officials approved their application, and the family started using the facilities.
Trinkle and Granados said they were shocked when they were turned away from the pool. Club officials told them same-sex couples don't meet Virginia's legal definition of family.
An email to a Carilion spokesman wasn't immediately returned Thursday.
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