Swimsuit row over school policy for trans boys
A primary school governing body has barred an eight-year-old transgender boy from wearing a male swimsuit because it may cause ‘social discomfort’ to other pupils or be in ‘conflict with their beliefs’, reports Sunday Times.
The governing body of Beaumont Primary School in Somerset West asked the child and another 11-year-old transgender boy both who were born as females to wear shorts and a Lycra ‘second-skin top’ while swimming.
Both sets of parents have rejected this request.
The father of the eight-year-old told the Sunday Times that neither child had entered puberty.
‘Both kids resemble boys. The top therefore does not conceal anything and serves no purpose.’
The parent said he would lodge a formal complaint with the Commission for Gender Equality tomorrow.
Western Cape education department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said governing bodies had wide-ranging powers under the South African Schools’ Act, including to impose a dress code.
‘The school’s governing body has taken steps to address the matter and we trust it will be resolved in the best interests of all at Beaumont Primary.’
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
