M.P. suggests law be ignored

Press, 26 July 1984, Page 10

M.P. suggests law be ignored

NZPA-AAP Canberra A Federal Liberal backbencher has urged the Tasmanian Swimming Association to ignore new laws which will lead to boys and girls under the age of 12 competing against one another. Mr Bruce Goodluck, a Tasmanian member of Parliament, has said he was outraged at the effect the new sex discrimination legislation was beginning to have. The executive of the Tasmanian ' Swimming Association has decided, after seeking legal advice, that the new law will apply to its winter championships next month. The association’s secretary, Judy Moore, said many parents were unhappy with the decision. “I don’t blame the parents one little bit because it is

silly, but our expert has said we should uphold the law,’ she said. Tasmania is the first state swimming body to decide on mixed-sex competition. Mr Goodluck said yesterday that his prediction of dire effects if the legislation was implemented had come true. “What’s next? Cubs and brownies? It is stupid to think you can overcome discriminaton by legislation,” he said. “I have said they should break the law, ignore it, until Senator Ryan (the Minister of Education and Youth Affairs), comes to her Mr Goodluck said, “If anything, boys would be disadvantaged by the decision because young girls are naturally stronger swimmers.”