Two MLAs representing South Surrey weighed in on the ongoing debate at the B.C. Legislature after several women were told to cover up their bare arms.
Several New Democrat staff say they’ve been told by the sergeant-at-arms staff that it’s against the rules to wear short-sleeved attire in the legislature.
Following the request to cover up, legislature journalists and politicians have posted photos of themselves showing their bare arms in protest.
“Can we please get on to more important things like whether men should be wearing ties in the leg #righttobarearms,” Surrey-White Rock BC Liberal MLA Tracy Redies tweeted Thursday.
Can we please get on to more important things like whether men should be wearing ties in the leg #righttobarearms @jthornthwaite pic.twitter.com/R3QI4zzQ9t
— Tracy Redies (@tracyrediesbc) March 28, 2019
Surrey South BC Liberal MLA Stephanie Cadieux, writing in response to a tweeted photo of a number of women showing bare arms in protest, said the dress code needs to be updated.
“Dress codes and uniforms have a place but clearly it’s time to get into the 21st century at the @BCLegislature,” Cadieux tweeted Thursday. “I’m far more concerned with what is in people’s heads and hearts than what they’re wearing.”
Dress codes and uniforms have a place but clearly it’s time to get into the 21st century at the @BCLegislature I’m far more concerned with what is in people’s heads and hearts than what they’re wearing https://t.co/Z2PnQqnHsL
— Stephanie Cadieux (@Stephanie4BC) March 28, 2019
Thursday, House Speaker Darryl Plecas issued a memo to members of the legislative assembly, press gallery, and staff outlining the “conservative contemporary” dress codes in parliament buildings.
“Gender-neutral business attire generally constitutes layered clothing that includes covered shoulders,” the memo states.
“For an individual who identifies as a woman, this would typically include a business suit, dress with sleeves, or a skirt with a sweater or blouse; jackets or cardigans are not necessarily required.”
SEE ALSO: Kim Campbell says female broadcasters should not bare arms
- With files from the Canadian Press