A Burnaby man is taking his fight to join a women-only fitness club to the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal – alleging gender discrimination.

Gordon Stopps says he received a flyer offering a 10-day free trial at the gym, not far from his home.

Gordon Stopps

"I took the flyer and I drove to Just Ladies Fitness at Metrotown, and I walked in and said I'd like to join up," he says.

Stopps says he he was then ridiculed by gym staff and asked to leave.

Angry with that response, he filed his human rights complaint.

"I have a right to go into any business in North America and be treated equally and not be discriminated against for any particular reason,' he says.

"And people are floating a lot of reasons about why there should be an exemption. But those are just rationalizations."

Just Ladies Fitness has been catering to a strictly female clientele for more than 12 years, and has facilities across the Lower Mainland.

The company says it will not debate Stopps's complaint in the media.

Lawyer Paul Pulver who is watching the case says the Human Rights Code has an "escape clause" for organizations like Just Ladies Fitness – which he says provides a "reasonable justification for the organization to exist."

Stopps say the company has until Jan. 10 to provide a statement of defence or settle the issue. And that if it doesn't do so, a hearing could be set for the new year.