BC legislative staff, reporters bare arms after woman told to cover up

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – Some staff and press at the BC Legislature are taking a stand about the right to bare arms.

A security official told a staffer wearing small cap-sleeves on Wednesday to cover herself up.

In protest, some staff and press wore short-sleeved or sleeveless outfits on Thursday.

“We don’t have a problem with there being a dress code and us dressing professionally — I think we all do that anyways,” said Shannon Waters, a reporter with the online publication BC Today.

“What we are frustrated with is a sort of arbitrary … interpretation by staff in this building about what does and does not constitute professional dress for women.”

Acting sergeant-at-arms Randy Ennis — who is responsible for security members — says it’s their responsibility to enforce proper decorum. “Traditionally, attire is — for the men — a suit and jacket. That would translate to proper business attire for female members.”

Green Party House Leader Sonia Furstenau says just telling women to do the same doesn’t cut it, especially not in 2019.

“Women should learn to accept that Question Period is the way it is? Women should learn to accept that this is a man’s world? We’re not here to reinforce that this is a man’s world. We’re here to change the world.”

“In 2019, the notion of telling women how to dress is, indeed, crazy,” she said.

“I think it’s ridiculous in this day and age that we’re having people police professional dress for professional women,” said Finance Minister Carole James.

Thursday afternoon, the Speakers’ office issued an official statement, saying “In the modern era, the Legislative Assembly should adhere to a gender-neutral approach to dress code expectations.”

“Gender-neutral business attire generally constitutes layered clothing that includes covered shoulders. For example, for an individual who identifies as a man, this would typically include a collared dress shirt and tie, dress pants or kilt, and a suit jacket. For an individual who identifies as a woman, this would typically include a business suit, dress with sleeves, or a skirt with a sweater or blouse; jackets or cardigans are not necessarily required. Individuals who do not identify as gender binary may dress pursuant to the guidelines above, as they deem appropriate.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has worn sleeveless dresses in the House of Commons.

Men in the halls of the BC Legislature have been asked to leave for wearing shorts or jeans.