Austrian with Turkish origins rejected by gym

The case of a Turkish immigrant, who was rejected by a gym in Götzis in the Western Austrian state of Vorarlberg is now discussed by politicians. The Green Party demands the establishment of a regional advice centre.

“It is unbelievable that a young man with Turkish origins was denied membership at a gym due to his appearance”, stated Vahide Aydin, spokesperson for migration from the Green party.

Apparently, there is a lot of discrimination in Vorarlberg, and people concerned do not know who they should contact. Therefore, Ms Aydin demands the establishment of a regional advice centre which will record the incidents and support people concerned.

The Green Party appeals to the government to advocate a regional advice centre of the office of the Ombud for Equal Treatment.

Gabriele Sprickler-Falschlunger, integration spokesperson of the Social Democratic Party, declared the case to be inacceptable. The president of the Chamber of Commerce Manfred Rein and Regional Integration Secretary Erich Schwärzler will need to comment on the incident, Ms Sprickler-Falschlunger said.

Mr Rein needs to clarify whether “black sheep” like that are acceptable for the Chamber of Commerce. Mr Schwärzler should also be alarmed by such a behaviour, she said.

A young Austrian with Turkish origins reported that he was denied membership at the gym on the grounds that “ten Turkish people were already working out at the gym”.