Women 'not recreational toys'
2005-09-23 11:26
Sydney - Feminists in Australia who shut down a Brisbane show that was to have featured scantily clad women in pillow-fighting contests and topless bar-room bullriding were on Friday warned of a reprise of the low-brow Blokesworld Live event next month.
Event director John Dunlea said the two-day "blokes, booze and sheilas expo" would move to neighbouring Ipswich where he was confident of getting a permit from the local council.
Dunlea was forced to cancel last weekend's show when Brisbane City Council refused to issue a licence. He went to the Supreme Court in an unsuccessful bid to have the decision overturned.
Women's Forum Australia (WFA) claimed the closure a victory for those who had campaigned against it.
"It promoted a stereotype of women as recreational objects, always available for male entertainment and pleasure," WFA spokesperson Katrina George said.
"We feared that the combination of semi-naked women, guns, knives and alcohol could have contributed to a sexually dangerous environment for women. It's time to declare zero tolerance against men who treat women like recreational sex toys."
Dunlea promised the relocated and rescheduled Blokesworld Live would be bigger and better.
"Some of the stuff that got us into trouble, well, we could have a lot more of that too," he told Australia's AAP news agency. "If we're going to be crucified for it, we might as well do it properly." - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA