Why the Giggle v Tickle judgement is bad for women’s rights and a risk to religious freedom

Posted on June 30, 2026 
Filed under Culture wars, Opinion

“In her recent article, Paula Gerber argued the decision of the Federal Court of Australia in Giggle for Girls Pty Ltd v Tickle was ‘good for trans rights and women’s rights’. With respect, I disagree and would like to explain why.

I believe the decision is bad for women’s rights — especially the rights of women to enjoy single-sex spaces and activities — and may also be bad for the rights of those from religious groups to control their spaces and activities in accordance with their faith commitments. I suspect the decision may also be bad for ‘trans rights’ in the long term. …”

– The ABC’s Religion & Ethics has published this opinion piece by Associate Professor Neil Foster.