City Hall Chambers was full Wednesday, with many residents asking to speak on public safety in washrooms after an alleged incident in January at the Shaw Centre where a trans woman exposed their male genitals in the women’s change room. It led to protests against the policy and protests against any changes.
The City of Saskatoon complies with the provincial and the federal governments’ human rights codes which indicate people are able to use change rooms of the gender with which they identify. Of the 17 speakers in Council Chambers for the Planning, Development and Community Services Committee meeting, two wanted a change to the change room and washroom policy in public spaces. Fifteen wanted the policy to remain the way it is.
Mark Friesen spoke for a change to the policy saying he has nothing against trans people. “If people want to dress and pretend to be a woman, go ahead, that’s your business, not mine. However if we are creating policy that allows predators to gain access to these change rooms where women and girls are changing, then I suggest we are on the wrong path.” One suggestion was to have a separate area or for trans people to use the family washroom.
Blake Tait, who identifies as a trans man, spoke in favour of the current policy and said segregating trans people goes against human rights. He also cited a report which states that other locations with similar laws and policies have lower rates of crime against trans people and those without had much higher rates, and statistically, trans people are less likely to commit a crime and four times more likely to be the victim of a crime.
Ten year old Zipp Neufeld, who identifies as they/them, trans gender non-binary, addressed the committee. “At what point do I go from being someone you protect to someone who is a threat, not based on my heart or any of my actions, but just based on my genitalia. Zipp told the crowd that hey deserve to age without fear that the right to a safe bathroom and change space will be taken away and added that when trans adults thrive, trans children survive.
Lorraine Fajt stated that the Canadian Charter of Rights are supposed to protect the rights of women, but she feels with this policy they aren’t. She presented a petition with 660 signatures asking for privacy for all patrons of civic facilities.
City Councillor Hilary Gough wanted to clarify that there is no process underway to change the policy, but she understands that there is plenty of public dialogue about it. “I wish to say clearly that I do not support the harmful rhetoric that I have heard in our community that attempts to invalidate trans identities and that spreads misinformation about trans people. This rhetoric puts trans people at risk.” Mayor Charlie Clark reiterated that there will be no changes to this public policy, but it is their policy to listen to what people have to say which is what today’s (Wed) meeting was about. “As Mayor I have no intention of going backwards or being a city that stands out by taken steps to become more discriminatory in terms of the policies we have. I do hope we can continue to learn from each other what it takes to build a safe community for everyone.”
The City of Saskatoon says it is aware of an alleged incident at Shaw Centre on Friday, January 27th regarding an individual who identifies as female using the women’s change room. The City also says its understanding of what occurred is substantively different than what has been reported on social media, and they have no reason to believe any inappropriate behaviour occurred.
Statement from City of Saskatoon:
We understand that this is a divisive issue and makes some people uncomfortable. Gender identity is a protected right under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018 – a provincial law. Part of recognizing people’s rights is allowing them to choose which change room or washroom they use based on their protected rights.
The facts are:
The policy was not made by Saskatoon City Council
The Administration is responsible for making City of Saskatoon operational decisions like the gender inclusivity policy
The City is following the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code in implementing our policy
The City’s policy is not unique and is shared by other entities in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and across Canada
Several Leisure Centres have universal change rooms and alternate private spaces can be made available. We have communicated to all patrons that these spaces are available.Upgrades such as privacy curtains and separate changing areas provide all patrons with a variety of privacy options. The City is also about to undertake significant upgrades at Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre to bring it up to a more modern standard. Patrons are encouraged to reach out to a staff member to help them find a comfortable change room environment that suits their needs.
The City is aware of an alleged incident at Shaw Centre on Friday, January 27 regarding an individual who identifies as female using the women’s change room. The City’s understanding of what occurred is substantively different than what has been reported on social media, and we have no reason to believe any inappropriate behavior occurred.
Inappropriate behaviour, however, is not allowed by any patron. For example, any lingering, leering, inappropriate or sexual behaviour is unacceptable and should be reported to City staff so it can be investigated.
If anyone is uncomfortable with our policy, the City will make private spaces available for their use.
