[Brillopad]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

See I do understand this argument. In theory. Sort of. If you actually break it down logically it kind of falls apart but I do understand why people would be concerned about it becoming "easier" for women to be made victims

In actual practical terms though, here are the issues;

1) Some real women kinda look like men. So if a Predatory male was, currently, under no law change, to dress as a woman and enter a female toilet or changing area... How do you stop them? Do you ask them to show their genitals on entry? . You simply can't know who is "really" female when they walk into a toilet in the first place. And you can't accuse just because you suspect. So...

2) What exactly do you think is currently stopping a full-on unambiguous bearded male from following a women into a public toilet currently? There isn't an invisible force field that stops them. They can just walk right on in. Is a sign that says "women only" going to stop them? "Oh I was going to sexually assault someone, but this sign says I'm not allowed in." Barmy.

3) You may suggest that it's because then other people can stop them from going in, but if it's a busy area with lots of people around then there's not really much risk of an assault anyway. It would happen when no one else is around and, as above, when no one else is around... A rapist doesn't need to pretend to be a woman to get into the ladies toilets. He can just walk right on in?


So yeah... I suppose I do understand the fear that people may have around this and I'm not trying to downplay that at all - but I also think in rational, practical terms the risk of increased assaults isn't anywhere near as high as is being suggested.

As less people are likely to challenge men with self-identification in place it is an increased risk and any increased risk is not acceptable. No-one knows for sure until there is a victim - which will be too late for her - but I suppose some would just shrug their shoulders and mumble something about collateral damage! Women would be more aware and more likely to notice a man who was not supposed to be there than one who was. They would be more likely to look out for each other.