The Lesbian Action Group of Melbourne recently applied to the Australian Human Rights Commission, which would allow them to hold lesbian-only events at the purpose-built Pride Centre.
A social media user posted: “The Lesbian Action Group of Melbourne has applied to the Australian Human Rights Commission for a discrimination exemption to hold a (female) lesbian-only event at the purpose-built Pride Centre. A recent application in Tasmania was rejected. Please send a submission in support.”
A second post described how supporters could support the cause: “The deadline is Friday next week, 25 August 2023. The email is: [email protected] Specifically mention your support for the 'Lesbian Action Group temporary exemption' application. The application can be found at: https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/legal …”
The Human Rights website includes a “Lesbian Action Group temporary exemption application,” which states: “The Australian Human Rights Commission has received an application from the Lesbian Action Group for a temporary exemption to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).”
“The applicant has requested an exemption to host an event restricted to female born lesbians. The exemption is sought for five years.”
“The Commission has the power to grant temporary exemptions under section 44 of the SDA.”
The development comes after a London-based, lesbian speed-dating event was accused of transphobia after the organizer said the event was only open to “adult human females.”
The outrage came after trans-identified males attempted to gain entry into the event, which was held in Bloomsbury in London.
Jenny Watson, a town planner who runs the event, posted to her website: “If you are male, please refrain from coming to the events, you are not a lesbian.”
She said “last year, a person turned up sporting a purple latex outfit… and an erection.”
“Another time, a trans woman came into the female toilet and pushed their body at a woman who was upset and told me after. It got me thinking that this isn’t fair on women.”
She continued: “Transgender individuals deserve respect. But there is a need for protection of sex-segregated spaces for lesbian women.”
