A Saskatoon city councillor has responded to a parent’s outrage at a naked man hanging out in the little girls changing room during children’s swimming lessons.. Saskatoon Protest Jan 28 2023 .Councillor David Kirton (Ward 3) sent an email to the parent to thank them for “sharing your concerns.”.However, Kirton said the naked man can stay in the girls changing room because “our society is changing” to allow “a person to choose a change room based on their gender identity regardless of physical appearance.”.Kirton said "gender identity is a protected right under the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.”.When the Western Standard inquired to Premier Scott Moe’s office. Moe said it was a municipal responsibility.."The government of Saskatchewan is aware of the concerns raised by parents,” said Moe..“As the concerns involve operations of a municipal recreation facility, this would be most appropriately addressed by the municipality responsible.”.READ MORE Protests launched against naked man in the little girls changing room in Saskatoon pool.Kirton said “the City must follow the Code in implementing our policy” and it obligates “the city to accommodate transgender members of our community.”.Saskatoon has “undertaken significant work to provide more change room privacy options than ever before,” according to Kirton..Kirton said that “upgrades such as privacy curtains and separate changing areas provide all patrons with a variety of privacy options” which are meant to “help all users of leisure facilities be as comfortable as possible.”.Kirton told the concerned parent to “reach out to a staff member, they will help you find a comfortable change room environment that suits your needs.”. David Kirton Shaw Centre .In the email, Kirton does not say how the city accommodates parents who do not want a naked man walking around the changing room in front of their young daughters..Kirton claimed that there was only one “alleged incident at Shaw Centre last Friday, January 27, regarding an individual who identifies as female using the women’s change room.”.Kirton did not reference the Western Standard story about the naked man and last Saturday’s protest outside of Saskatoon City Hall but said there were some “social media” posts..“The City’s understanding of what occurred is substantively different than what has been reported on social media,” said Kirton..“We have no reason to believe any inappropriate behaviour occurred.”.Kirton encourages anyone with concerns about inappropriate behaviour to report it..“We encourage patrons to report any inappropriate behaviour they personally experience to facility staff,” said Kirton..Kirton is “proud of the improvements made to both our policy and our infrastructure. These changes will help ensure all patrons have access to public or private change room facilities to suit their individual needs.”.Kirton did admit that “there will always be ways the City can improve our services.”.The email ends with Kirton saying “I hope this helps.”.Protestors are expected back again at 2 pm on Saturday at the Shaw Centre.
