Wombat
10-07-2007, 08:28 AM
Hi all;
Thought this might be of some interest. From todays Sunday Telegraph, a local paper here in Sydney.
Regards;
Dave
A TRANSSEXUAL police officer has caused a ruckus in the ranks of Victoria's police force because she insists on using female facilities.
Other female officers have had run-ins with the cop, who used to be a man, since she declared herself a lesbian.
They are uneasy because the trailblazing constable insists on still using the female change rooms, showers and toilets.
Constable Bernice Canty, who has had a male-to-female operation, graduated from the academy three years ago.
Angry female cops working with the 180cm-tall, broad-shouldered officer want her to use the disabled facilities.
Constable Canty was moved two months ago from the Boroondara station at Kew to the Croydon station.
The upset policewomen said they did not make formal complaints because sexism was already rampant in the force.
Constable Canty would not comment on the claims, saying that details of where she changed were private and a matter for her.
However a source at that station said there had been disagreements over the controversial recruit.
The Police Association said all members' rights would have to be considered in a review of any formal complaint.
"The members' interests would have to be looked after as much as Bernice's interests,'' said secretary Paul Mullet.
"There are laws where we could possibly be losing sight of the practical implications. We have to ask, are we going too far with those laws?''
Earlier Mr Mullet had described the prospect of a transsexual officer as "mind-boggling'' but has since been wary of discrimination laws.
Constable Canty said there had been a couple of issues since moving to Croydon but they had been sorted out.
The senior sergeant at her new station, where she is working the late shift, said there were no problems.
A source suggested Constable Canty may temporarily be using her new station's disabled toilets.
The pioneering recruit graduated in October, 2004.
She was hailed as reflective of a diverse community and organisation by Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans.
Thought this might be of some interest. From todays Sunday Telegraph, a local paper here in Sydney.
Regards;
Dave
A TRANSSEXUAL police officer has caused a ruckus in the ranks of Victoria's police force because she insists on using female facilities.
Other female officers have had run-ins with the cop, who used to be a man, since she declared herself a lesbian.
They are uneasy because the trailblazing constable insists on still using the female change rooms, showers and toilets.
Constable Bernice Canty, who has had a male-to-female operation, graduated from the academy three years ago.
Angry female cops working with the 180cm-tall, broad-shouldered officer want her to use the disabled facilities.
Constable Canty was moved two months ago from the Boroondara station at Kew to the Croydon station.
The upset policewomen said they did not make formal complaints because sexism was already rampant in the force.
Constable Canty would not comment on the claims, saying that details of where she changed were private and a matter for her.
However a source at that station said there had been disagreements over the controversial recruit.
The Police Association said all members' rights would have to be considered in a review of any formal complaint.
"The members' interests would have to be looked after as much as Bernice's interests,'' said secretary Paul Mullet.
"There are laws where we could possibly be losing sight of the practical implications. We have to ask, are we going too far with those laws?''
Earlier Mr Mullet had described the prospect of a transsexual officer as "mind-boggling'' but has since been wary of discrimination laws.
Constable Canty said there had been a couple of issues since moving to Croydon but they had been sorted out.
The senior sergeant at her new station, where she is working the late shift, said there were no problems.
A source suggested Constable Canty may temporarily be using her new station's disabled toilets.
The pioneering recruit graduated in October, 2004.
She was hailed as reflective of a diverse community and organisation by Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans.