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Ninth Circuit Rules Spa's Policy Discriminatory, Upholds Rights

5/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a pivotal ruling, the Ninth Circuit upheld that Olympus Spa's policy of serving only "biological women" does not infringe on First Amendment rights. The court found the spa's actions discriminatory under Washington law, highlighting that its religious expression was only minimally impacted, marking a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue around gender identity and discrimination.

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Story summary

In a pivotal ruling, the Ninth Circuit upheld that Olympus Spa's policy of serving only "biological women" does not infringe on First Amendment rights. The court found the spa's actions discriminatory under Washington law, highlighting that its religious expression was only minimally impacted, marking a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue around gender identity and discrimination.