Supreme Court Upholds MONA's Ladies Lounge Policy

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania has successfully appealed a tribunal ruling that found it discriminated against a man by denying him entry to its women-only 'Ladies Lounge'. The Tasmanian Supreme Court determined that the lounge qualifies for an exemption under the Anti-Discrimination Act, as it promotes equal opportunity for women by highlighting societal gender disparities. The court found that the tribunal had made several errors in its previous ruling, mischaracterizing the lounge's intention. Following this decision, MONA plans to reopen the Ladies Lounge, which had been closed since April 2023 due to the tribunal's order. Lounge curator Kirsha Kaechele celebrated the ruling as a triumph for women and indicated that plans for a celebratory event would be announced soon. The case has been sent back to the tribunal for further consideration.