NautaDutilh wins victory for Basic-Fit before the Liège Court of Appeal in discrimination case
On 4 November 2014, NautaDutilh won a significant victory for Basic-Fit before the Liège Court of Appeal. The appellate court overturned the Liège Court of First Instance's decision of January 2014 in a gender discrimination case.
In response to market needs, Basic-Fit decided to turn one of its fitness centres in Liège into a ladies only club. A male member challenged the decision and initiated legal proceedings before the Liège Court of First Instance, which ruled against Basic-Fit.
However, on 4 November 2014, the Liège Court of Appeal overturned the earlier judgment, on the ground that men and women have different physiques and, therefore, fitness clubs may treat them differently.
The NautaDutilh team consisted of François Tulkens (administrative law), Barbara François and Philippe François (employment law).