Welcome to the latest development in what can only be described as the mad, mad world in which we now live.
A ferry operator has removed the words “ladies” and “gentlemen” from its lavatory doors after a transgender woman won a landmark discrimination case against it.
Transgender taxi driver Erin Bisson, 40, launched the case after she was left “humiliated” by Condor Ferries when staff told her to use the disabled loo.
Ms Bisson rang the firm to check she could use the ladies’ loo before sailing from Jersey to Saint-Malo, northern France.
But she recalled: “Condor said the only facilities I should be using are the disabled facilities.”
She lodged a complaint with the Jersey Employment and Discrimination Tribunal last November.
Condor has now admitted “non-intentional and non-malicious discrimination”.
It has also agreed to replace the words “ladies” and “gentlemen” with gender symbols on its loo doors.
And staff have been trained in treating transgender customers sensitively.
A spokesman said it was “happy to implement all actions”.
Ms Bisson said she was happy Condor had “put their hands up”, adding: “I hope other companies take their lead.”
Like most people, I sympathise with those who are transgender when it comes to practical matters such as this one.
But where will this all end?
If the words “ladies” and “gentlemen” are deemed so offensive to this minority, would they rather their use in public is outlawed altogether?
Photo via MrThinKTank/Flickr
