Untitled

Press, 29 September 1979, Page 1

This cartoon in the July newsletter of the Police Association has brought an angry response from the National member of Parliament for Waipa (Miss Marilyn Waring), who describes it as degrading and sexist. The cartoon, by Peter Winnington, on policewomen’s trousers, appeared on the front page of the newsletter. Miss Waring complained to the Human Rights Commission, which found that the cartoon did not breach the anti-discrimina-tory provisions of the Human Rights Commission Act, reports the Press Association. In a letter to the commission, she said that the

cartoon “perpetuates the myth that women were somehow responsible, that is asking to be raped, because they wore a mini skirt or no bra . . .” The cartoon showed men once again unable to control their urges and the policewoman responsible for the carnage because of her looks. Miss Waring also objected to the helpless stance of the limp, waving pathetic hand and arm. The commission suggested an educational programme on the dangers of sexism and sex stereotyping. The response of the newsletter’s editor?—the latest issue says, “Marilyn, don't be bloody ridiculous."