Women's only travel blocked

A Melbourne woman has lost a legal bid to set up a women-only travel service for women sick of tour groups focused on booze and bed-hopping...

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal refused Erin Maitland's application for exemption from anti-discrimination laws, saying it was not justified under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights.

The tribunal had previously granted an exemption to another women's-only travel service, but Ms Maitland's application was the first since the charter was introduced three years ago.

''An exemption may well be convenient and practical to assist Erin in the establishment of her business, but it cannot presently be justified on human rights principles,'' said tribunal vice-president Judge Marilyn Harbison.

She said Ms Maitland could reapply to the tribunal if she was able to come up with ''credible evidence based on Charter considerations'' that an exemption was reasonable and necessary.

Ms Maitland, although unhappy with the decision, said she was given a fair hearing, and that she would return to the tribunal with more supporting evidence.

Source: www.theage.com.au