How can Curves franchises get away with playing all Christian music while clients are working out?

I think they have the right to do that - You also have the right to demand a refund and join a gym elsewhere. If that is what you want to do, you should!!! If they will not give your money back, I would take them to small claims court. I am sure you have a case.

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a hostile work environment (in this context) would be one in which: (1) Offensive conduct occurs due to an employee's religion; and (2) This conduct is severe enough and pervasive enough as to affect the terms and conditions of employment. The Supreme Court has made it clear that the employee's psychological well-being need not be affected for Title VII to apply. There would simply need to be a perceived hostile or abusive environment to a reasonable observer. I don't think that just playing religious music would be considered a hostile or abusive environment under federal law, although you might inquire with your state about any other applicable laws that are more stringent than federal regulations. However, if he is doing more than just playing Christian music, there might be a case. As long as he isn't imposing on anybody, he's within federal law. However, if there are other forced issues, such as harassment-levels of proselytization (judged by pervasiveness and impact), mandatory prayer time, and/or an unwillingness to accomodate employees of different religions, then the law may apply. But just playing music, with no other factors, wouldn't be illegal. Regardless, you can still speak with the issue with your employer and ask him if he would make a reasonable accomodation. Although the law is on his side, most employers would rather honor a simple, unimposing request than take the time to argue about it in court.

Did you read your entire contract before signing? Many businesses 'reserve the right to.....', so check your paperwork and if you didn't read it first, you will still be held liable to stick with the contract. Just take an iPod or portable CD that hooks on with headphones and listen to what you want.

When a company has franchises, they are pretty much able to make up the rules as they go along. However, it is within your rights to mention that specific issue and ask if they can either change the music, or at the very least use a music mix. It is possible the person working behind the counter had changed the station. So, use your rights and ask.

First of all, get some headphones and listen to them in lieu of the music Curves is offering. If for whatever reason that does not work, approach the owner of your location and speak with her calmly and rationally about how you do not like the music. You should avoid making accusations such as "someone else's religious views shoved down your throat". That will only make the owner defensive and make your complaints seem irrelivant.

Ask the owner to let you out of your contract. Do not ask for any money back, just ask to be released from your monthly obligation to find another location where the music is more suited to your tastes.

If the owner does not let you out of your contract or is asking for a early release fee, go to the next person in line. Perhaps a regional manager.

Go thru the chain of command, always approach them in a calm and mature manner without putting the other person on the defense, and you may find things work out to you benefit.

Its a franchise and the local chapter is a private business and they can do whatever they want to and play whatever they want. You are a member and you can quit and go to another. Private businesses are still private property and free so long as they are not taking government funds. Wear an MP3 if it bothers you and stop trying to make an issue over something so stupid. Usually its Christians whining about being excluded or whatever. About half the population is always looking for someone to offend them so they can *****. This aint city hall its a private business, they say what is played, not you.

It is a pretty well-known fact that Curves is a Christian company. It might be a good idea to research things that you are going to be paid for, that is why we have the Internet around. If you really felt that you were taken advantage of you could always tell the franchise owner and also send a letter to the founders of Curves to tell them your concerns.

Though I hate listening to a lot of rap because of the messages it sends, and my last gym played a lot of it and they never warned me. Perhaps they should have notified me that they would be proselytizing to me about how great sex with multiple women is and having massive amounts of bling.

Christians are exposed to secular music each day every where they go. Would you complain if it was pop rap, medal oldies. Whether or not you agree with those types of music you would probably listen. So I don't see the difference. If you're unhappy there ask for a refund and tell them why.

It's a private company that you joined of your own free will. They can play whatever kind of music they want.

If you don't like it, you can always either use an i-pod to listen to your own music, or quit.

Maybe you should have taken a tour of the place before you joined it and listened to the music they were playing....

Oh hell I would be forced to Ozzy on my I-pod and buy speakers.....there is no way I could handle the christian thing all the time at the gym.

I think patrons should be warned - it may influence their choice of whether or not to join. If I were you I would demand my money back. Or come dressed as the devil every time I worked out.

Curves is a PRIVATE organization and can play whatever music it wants to- if you don't like it GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.