I
shit
you
not.
The Liberal National Party, a government supposedly representing a nation that is 50% women, is hosting a luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day at Tattersall’s Club in Brisbane; a place which self describes as a ‘Private Membership Club for men.’
The fact that this decision got through people – ‘people,’ as in, more than one person – and nobody thought to find literally A N Y other venue is just–
Look, there are countless “lols” and/or “jks” to be made about this, because it’s a batshit thing for anyone – let alone a political party mired in a terrible PR situation on account of their treatment of women’s issues – to have done. But, having watched the video of Tony Abbott’s response when asked about the decision, I’m all out. As Roxane Gay (who will be on Q&A next week and is a raging delight) wrote, “It’s hard to be told to lighten up because if you lighten up any more, you’re going to float the fuck away.” You can watch it HERE but essentially he’s a total butthole about it.
Abbott’s sarcastic AF response: “This is just how wonderful this broad church that I lead is … obviously they’ve just broken down the last barrier and they’ve made the men-only club admit women. Admit women?! Isn’t that fantastic? At last, this bastion of chauvinism has admitted women and they’ve done it on International Women’s Day, because of the Liberal National Party. Good on the Liberal National Party, smashing the glass ceiling yet again! I say congratulations and thank god that bastion of old-fashioned chauvinism has finally collapsed like the walls of Jericho at the trumpet cry of the Liberal National Party.”
Could they have chosen another venue? Yes. Even if it was, as they say ‘short notice’? Yes, because Women’s Day is an annual event. Are there women in the LNP? Yes. Does this excuse the party as a whole? No, because this isn’t about genitals. Is this all Tony Abbott’s fault? Obviously not, but he’s the ‘captain’ and, on an occasion to specifically celebrate women’s achievements and call for greater equality, his team are heading to a place that physically represents inequality.
To quote the International Women’s Day website: “Make a difference – think globally and act locally! Make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.” CC: Liberal National Party.
