EMILY GAINS RIGHT TO PLAY MEN'S PENNANTS
Melbourne teenager Emily South yesterday won a landmark decision to
become an affiliated member of the Royal Victorian Bowls Association and play in mens
pennants.
The Victorian Anti-Discrimination Tribunal ruled that single gender
bowls competitions are unlawful because this limits the choices of the participants.
South, 19, from the St Kilda Club, alleged the RVBA sexually
discriminated against her by refusing to allow her to play in Saturday Men's pennants.
But RVBA President Arnold O'Brien said: " This is not a case
about excluding Emily South from Lawn Bowls because she is female. It is about the best
way to organise bowls competitions."
The separation of male and female competitions reflects the way
national and international competitions are organised.
The decision was a concern because of the ramifications for all
sports in Australia. The RVBA is expected to appeal and be allowed to continue to offer
single gender competition to its 40,000 members.
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