Juneau -- Friday, the Alaska Senate voted to permit private health clubs to limit their exercise facilities to members of one gender. Senate Bill 176, sponsored by Senator Drue Pearce (R-Anchorage), would amend the existing statute by adding health clubs to the list of places where gender separation is necessary to ensure privacy.

SB 176 returned to the Senate for approval of an amendment added by the House when it passed the bill on Thursday. The amendment clarifies that only rooms used for exercise may be segregated. Rooms in a single-gender health club that are used for other purposes, such as conference rooms and dining rooms, must be made available to both genders.

"For some, working out in the presence of the opposite gender acts as a deterrent to going to a health club," said Senator Pearce. "Gender-based health clubs offer a secluded environment for people to feel more at ease in what is often an intimidating setting. SB 176 would allow those who do prefer to work out in a single-gender environment to enjoy the health benefits of exercise."

SB 176 was drafted following an action filed by the Alaska Human Rights Commission (AHRC) against the Anchorage Women's Club. The commission decided that the club unlawfully discriminates against men because it is a place of public accommodation. AHRC based their decision on Alaska Statute 18.80.230, which prohibits discrimination based on gender in places of accommodation, such as restaurants, bars, theaters, pools, golf courses, hotels and motels. Health clubs are not listed in AS 18.80.300 as places of accommodation, allowing the opportunity for SB 176 to be created.

Alaska is not the first state to consider allowing single-gender health clubs. Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Tennessee have all authorized the existence of same gender fitness and wellness centers.

SB 176 goes to the Governor for signature.

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