A local council in Melbourne’s west is pushing for pedestrian lights at intersections and crossings to be replaced with female signs, sparking another heated debate over political correctness.
Brimbank Council has asked for female ‘walk and don’t walk’ figures at crossings in a bid to improve gender equality. And while many support the plea, others say it’s pushing PC too far — so what do you think?
Mayor Margaret Giudice said the change would show women and girls they were important and valued. “Using images that show both females and males is another way that we can show women and girls that they are important and valued in our community,” she said.
“This Council is committed to a community where men and women, and boys and girls, are treated equally.”
Councillor Victoria Borg, agreed, saying this was an important and meaningful way to show Brimbank’s commitment to gender equality.
“Using a female symbol on pedestrian crossings is a meaningful way to show that we are an inclusive community – what an important message to send to women, girls, and everyone,” she added.
But critics have slammed the move as “stupid” and a waste of time. Commentators on Today’s Facebook post about the issue were firmly against the proposal, with many Facebook users saying that the gender equality movement had gone too far.
One user wrote: “Women and girls have been crossing roads for decades. We don’t need some figure in a dress to make us feel important and valued. Get a life and spend the tax dollars on something worthwhile.”
Another added: “The world has gone mad. We are taking political correctness to the extreme.”
One commentator, however, pointed out that changing the symbol is even more sexist, adding: “If anything this is even more sexist. Who’s to say the current symbol is a man only and not a woman wearing pants! What a waste of money.”
The council will write to VicRoads to request the change this week.
It comes after the LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer) community pushed for gender-neutral toilets to be installed in all public and commercial buildings across Australia.
And on Monday the Herald Sun reported that some Victorian councils are auditing libraries, schools and kindergartens to ensure books, games and discussion in order to better promote gender equality.