Beach sauna that banned trans customers from all-female event sparks fury bowing to 'woke mob' with apology

The session was designed to allow female customers in swimwear to relax in the hot sauna without men present.

However, following sustained criticism from trans activists on social media, the south coast establishment changed its position.

The controversy began when a follower asked on Instagram whether "transgender women could attend the women-only session".

Beach Box responded, stating that it was initially for biological women but backtracked and explained: "We now understand that promoting or hosting a cis-only event goes against everything we believe in.

"It was wrong, and we take full responsibility for the harm this has caused. At Beach Box, we believe trans women are women and trans men are men".

This declaration directly contradicts the Supreme Court's ruling in April, which determined that for the Equality Act, trans women are legally male and trans men are legally female.

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The spa's reversal came after prominent transgender newsreader India Willoughby shared the original post, accusing Beach Box of "excluding trans women from women's spaces".

Beach Box's policy reversal has provoked fury from customers who claim the decision undermines women's rights and safety.

One critic stated: "This self-flagellation over supporting women's right to safety, privacy and dignity is sickening".

Another accused the sauna business of choosing to "alienate and offend women" rather than standing firm following the Supreme Court's gender ruling.

A third customer wrote: "Beach Box is nothing but a woman hating team! They don't think women should be afforded privacy or dignity! You make me sick."

Beach Box said in a statement online: "We got it wrong and we are so incredibly sorry."

The spa announced plans to launch a new "queer sauna session" starting this Thursday.

The business emphasised its commitment to creating an inclusive environment, stating: "We are listening and learning and we know that being inclusive in intention isn't enough when the impact tells a different story."