Letter to Attorney General Guy Barnett – Safe Toilets

Recently a member of the public wrote to Attorney General Guy Barnett to share her experience in a public toilet

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Dear Attorney General,

I believe you are currently looking into debate around different types of gender use in  public situations.

I am particularly interested to see your findings as I am a retired teacher and realise the impact this kind of debate may have on young lives and on guidance for those of us  teaching them.
I wish you good wishes in finding a sensible and safe solution for us all.

I thought I would write to you as an elder person recounting an experience I had in December 2024 at the Franklin Square public toilets.
I went into the toilet myself and was coming out when a man with a ponytail entered the women’s toilet area at the same time. He went straight to the cubicle next to me and peed like a man…whilst leaving the his individual door open for all to see. I find it very confronting and scary that I did not feel safe in his presence…especially the fact that he did not shut his door …was it a display?

Anyway, for this reason I now try and find toilets that are women only…which can be a bit difficult these days.
I also have to say I am a sex abuse survivor from my childhood which especially reignites old trauma wounds when exposed to something unusual like explained.

I have to feel safe in my community. I look forward to your reply and hearing your actions on this subject.

Thank you,
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Hobart.