Landmark Transgender Case Sparks Intense Tensions, Overflowing Courtroom
Transgender activist Roxanne Tickle, who identifies as a woman, is taking legal action against the founder of a female-only social networking app Giggle for Girls.
Tensions are escalating at the landmark Tickle v Giggle case in the Federal Court of Australia after Justice Robert Bromwich cautioned the packed courtroom that he would not tolerate any “intimidation or harassment” within or outside the court.
Founder of the women-only app Giggle for Girls, Sall Grover, is being sued by activist Roxanne Tickle, who identifies as a woman.
Ms. Grover is facing a lawsuit over the female-only membership policy of her app, while Mr. Tickle has legally identified as female in Queensland following gender affirming surgery in October 2019.
Ms. Grover has indicated her willingness to take the case to the High Court if she loses the trial in the Federal Court.
Justice Bromwich acknowledged that the case has sparked strong emotions and views. However, he noted that some individuals outside the court were “unable or unwilling” to tolerate differing viewpoints, as reported by AAP.
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The courtroom for Tickle v Giggle is overflowing and they have kicked out everyone who is standing or sitting on the floor and won’t allow more seating to be brought in (until maybe, after lunch),” Ms. Wong said.
“The case is of critical importance to women’s rights both nationally and internationally, and it is shameful that adequate provisions have not been made for members of the public who wish to attend the hearing—including not allowing it to be live-streamed—despite it being a matter of significant public interest.”
Ms. Wong added it was “almost like they don’t want people to hear” the “ridiculous arguments being made about how men can be women.”
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Attends Case
Meanwhile, the Sex Discrimination Commissioner is attending the case to “assist the court” by providing submissions of relevant provisions of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.
“Every individual, regardless of their gender identity, deserves dignity, respect, and equal treatment under the law,” Sex Discrimination Commissioner Anna Cody said.
“Gender equality means equal treatment of all genders, including trans people. When we recognise trans rights, we recognise the worth and dignity of every person and reject the harmful stigmas and stereotypes that lead to discrimination.
“We stand with trans communities and will continue to advocate for their rights and the rights of women. No one in Australia should face discrimination or exclusion based on their sex or gender identity.”
Meanwhile, Giggle CEO Sall Grover told Sky News host Peta Credlin she has “never been so anxious” ahead of the court case on April 9.
“I didn’t know that this whole gender identity ideology existed, never in my wildest nightmare did I think there was anyone saying men are actually women if they just say it,” she said.
Ms. Grover expressed the case threatened not just woman’s rights, but also freedom of speech, association, and belief.
“I mean, what’s the point of even having a category of woman in law if it’s not defined as ‘biological adult human female’ if it’s just a category any man can become,” she said.
AAP contributed to this report
