Tasmanian court allows women-only exhibition to continue

Australian Museum of Old and New Art does not discriminate against men? The court in Tasmania has issued a ruling, which is the first step toward reopening the exhibition dedicated to historical misogyny.

The history of discrimination against people of colours other than white, believing in a different god than the one known from the Catholic Church, the sick, those in non-heteronormative relationships, or ultimately those who are not men, has lasted for hundreds of years. Over time, various groups have tried to earn respect and recognition, but in the end, attacks due to intolerance remain a sad reality. Despite the passage of years, the actions of those fighting discrimination remain invaluable.

In the Australian Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart, the Luxury Ladies' Drawing Room held an exhibition dedicated to the history of misogyny. One of the elements of the exhibition is a ban on entry for those who are not women. In this way, they are meant to confront the historical misogyny that prohibited women from entering many places where only men could be. This solution did not sit well with those affected who also wanted to see the exhibition. The matter was taken to court due to suspicion of discrimination against men.

The Ladies' Drawing Room was closed in May 2024, after one man sued the museum for discrimination. The case was won in the first instance, but this did not discourage museum staff from fighting for the exhibition. On September 20, 2024, the Supreme Court of Tasmania overturned the previous ruling. Judge Shane Marshall stated in the justification that "men could be excluded from the Ladies Lounge because the law allows for discrimination if it promotes 'equal opportunity' for a marginalized group." Marshall also added: "(The Ladies Lounge provides) women with a rare glimpse of what it is like to be advantaged rather than disadvantaged."

Kirsha Kaechele, the artist who created the exhibition, commented on the ruling. In a press statement, she said, "It took 30 seconds for the decision to be delivered—30 seconds to quash the patriarchy." In an Instagram post, the artist added that the court ruling indicates that "women are better than men." Kaechele also thanked everyone who supported her in the fight for the exhibition.