A GAY venue in Melbourne has won the right to ban women to ensure its patrons are not subjected to attempts by predatory females to turn them straight.
VCAT has granted Sircuit Bar in Smith St an exemption to anti-discrimination laws,to ban women because they make the men uncomfortable.
"The applicant primarily relies on the exemption to exclude women from the venue, other than on Sundays after 3pm," VCAT reasoned.
"This is to ensure that gay men are not subject to attempts to change their sexuality, which reduce their comfort in the venue, which includes being fully accepted for who they are."
Sircuit nightclub includes pool tables, a maze, movie lounges, private rooms and a wash area over two licensed floors.
VCAT said, the venue is regularly used by gay men's social and community groups.
and it was important gay men had a venue where they were not subject to disparaging comments.
"For gay men who wish to display affection, those actions can readily lead to misunderstanding and disparaging comments which are not applied to heterosexual people," VCAT said.
"The applicants wish to provide a venue where it is safe and acceptable to openly express homosexuality."
Human Rights Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke said she supported the exemption and the Equal Opportunity Commission did not wish to intervene in the decision, and VCAT said it did not contravene the Charter of Human Rights.
"One of the objectives of the EOA is to promote recognition and acceptance of everyone's right to equality of opportunity," Dr Szoke said.
Other gay venues have had less success in banning patrons.
Last year the Peel Hotel in Collingwood lost its right to ask people their sexuality before they were allowed to enter.
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