People are now allowed to enter any toilet regardless of gender across the Surf Coast Shire despite safety concerns raised by residents.
Surf Coast Shire Council adopted changes to the Community Amenity Local Law during its July 25 meeting, which allows people to enter any council-owned facilities.
The main issue raised by the community regarded the personal safety of women and children across the shire, a concern shared by Councillors Paul Barker and Heather Wellington.
“I care about everyone’s right to live their life the way they see fit, so long as they cause no harm to others,” Cr Barker said.
“The proposal recommended by officers seeks to limit the rights of many, predominantly women, with the intent of supporting the rights of a minority who are equally entitled to have their rights considered.”
Cr Wellington said everyone deserved safe access to a public toilet, and she did not believe the current law discriminated against trans people.
“This is a terribly sad and ideologically driven response of councillors,” she said.
“Biological women that identify as women also deserve the recognition and respect of this shire.”
Chief executive Robyn Seymour said removing clause 2.1 (j), which prohibited people over six years old from entering opposite-gendered facilities, would not increase the risk of child abuse.
“Council is committed to being a child-safe organisation, and we have undertaken a lot of work to ensure we meet the child-safe standards.,” she said
“If a person is acting in a way that makes anyone feel unsafe, remove yourself from that situation, call 000, and request police assistance.”
Cr Libby Stapleton said it was important that the law was “up to date and effective” and inclusive of trans and gender-diverse individuals.
“A clause of this kind is not enforceable, and we cannot expect council officers to be in a position where they’re attempting to determine a person’s gender or gender identity,” she said.
