Train Companies Cannot Require Gender Information, Says EU Court
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that train companies cannot require customers to disclose their gender when purchasing tickets. This landmark decision is expected to influence practices across all European Union member states. The case was initiated in 2021 by the Mousse Association, a French advocacy group for LGBTQ+ rights, which challenged the state-owned railway company SNCF for mandating the collection of gender information.
SNCF’s policy required passengers to select a gender title, either “Mr” or “Ms,” without providing an option for those who identify as non-binary or wish to remain gender-neutral. Mousse argued that this practice discriminated against transgender and non-binary individuals and violated the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles, which emphasize the minimization of personal data collection.
The court found in favor of Mousse, stating that using gender titles for commercial communication is not essential for fulfilling contractual obligations. The judges suggested that companies could adopt more inclusive language, such as generic polite phrases, to address customers without requiring gender identification. This ruling signifies a shift towards greater respect for individual privacy and identity within the European legal framework.
Legal representatives have hailed the decision as a significant advancement for LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing that citizens now have more control over their personal data. The ruling is expected to reduce discrimination against non-binary individuals and promote a more inclusive environment across various sectors in the EU.
Source: Rail firms can’t demand to know customer’s gender, top EU court rules
