Transgender Pool Star Harriet Haynes Loses Discrimination Case After Exclusion from Women’s Competitions

British professional pool player Harriet Haynes, a prominent transgender athlete, has lost her high-profile legal challenge against the English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF) after being banned from participating in women’s competitions. The decision, handed down in early August 2025, follows a year-long battle that has reignited national debates over trans inclusion, fairness, and rights within sports .

In August 2023, the EBPF announced that Harriet Haynes, who had been competing as a woman, would no longer be eligible to participate in its women’s competitions or teams. The Federation stated that this decision was made to “ensure equality and fairness for all,” while clarifying that Haynes could still play in the open category, which is open to all genders, including men and transgender women .

Haynes, who had previously celebrated success on the circuit—most notably with a victory at the Ultimate Pool Women’s Pro Series Event 2 in April 2024—argued that the policy was discriminatory. She claimed it violated her rights under both the 2010 Equality Act, which protects against discrimination on the basis of gender reassignment, and the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly the right to respect for private and family life .

Haynes’ legal team asserted that the EBPF’s policy amounted to direct discrimination, as it excluded players who were not assigned female at birth from competing in the women’s category. They argued this policy unfairly singled out transgender women and perpetuated stigma .

The EBPF, however, defended its decision by referencing the “sporting exception” within the Equality Act, which allows for restrictions in gender-affected competitions when necessary to secure fair competition. The Federation contended that individuals who experienced male puberty might have advantages in cue sports, including factors such as reach and hand span, although Haynes’ representatives disputed the existence or impact of such advantages in pool .

In his judgment, the presiding judge described pool as a “gender-affected activity” and determined that the exclusion of players not assigned female at birth from the women’s category was a “reasonable and proportionate” means of ensuring fair competition. The court ultimately dismissed Haynes’ claims, marking the first time the sporting exception in the Equality Act was applied in this context .

Following the ruling, the EBPF reiterated its position that transgender athletes are welcome in the open category, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity “within the bounds of fair play” . Haynes, in a statement, expressed disappointment, stating: “I am a woman and I have no advantage, so why should I have to play in a category that is going to cast a spotlight on to me and the fact that I have transitioned?” .

The verdict has sparked renewed debate within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond regarding the balance between inclusion and perceived fairness in competitive sports. Several LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have voiced concern that the decision sets a precedent for further exclusion of transgender athletes from gendered categories in sport, while some women’s sports organizations have welcomed the ruling as a safeguard for fair competition .

Legal experts note that this case could serve as a significant precedent in future sporting disputes involving transgender athletes. The ruling clarifies the scope of the sporting exception in the Equality Act, potentially influencing policies not only in cue sports but also in other gender-segregated competitions across the UK .

Advocates for transgender inclusion argue that policies must strike a careful balance, ensuring fair opportunities for all athletes while avoiding unnecessary exclusion or stigmatization. The outcome of Haynes’ case is likely to fuel further discussion—both in legal circles and within sports federations—about how best to navigate this complex and rapidly evolving area of equality law.

As the sporting world continues to grapple with questions of fairness and inclusion, the story of Harriet Haynes is set to remain a touchstone in the wider movement for transgender rights and representation in competitive sport .