Friday 3 January 2014

LAW REPORT : BIGOT- JOHNSON  v.  EBU  (2014 )

( With the national championships almost over , Bigot was fuming. Although he managed to avoid coming bottom in the open pairs and teams events , he was really upset about the absence of  " men only " competitions  , especially when his lady partner  was enjoying herself in the ladies only pairs event. Bigot was left with no choice but to take the EBU to court alleging discrimination against men. As usual he opted to conduct his own case , and the following extract sees him interrogating a leading EBU official )

B-J : So both sexes are allowed to participate in the open events ?
EBU man : Yes.....that's why they are called " open "
B-J : Don't get smart with me......just answer the questions succinctly and without sarcasm ......
.............but tagged onto the open pairs and teams events you also have an all ladies pairs competition ?
EBU man : Yes.....and the ladies really seem to enjoy this event more than any of the others 
B-J : And do some ladies play in both the open events as well as this ladies pairs competition EBU man : Yes....indeed they do
B-J : So they get an additional crack at a trophy ?
EBU man : Yes....I guess that is the case
B-J : So men only get their chances for glory in the open events ?
EBU man : Yes.....and let's face because it is usually the top men who walk away with the silverware and prizes , women need their own competition so they too can get some kudos
B-J : ....which means they are getting preferential treatment ahead of the likes of me .....and other unsuccessful male players . By not running a men-only pairs competition that seems to me blatant discrimination against us ........contrary to statute law.   
EBU man : No.....no....you've got it all wrong. If there is any discrimination at all then it is against women .
B-J : How come ?
EBU man : Well, for a long time we have recognised that all male pairs and teams dominate the open events , and that good lady players never get a look in , especially when partnering their own sex. In order to ensure that good lady players are recognised , revered and honoured special competitions just for the fairer sex had to be set up. Indeed , it is men who for years have discriminated against women.........by refusing to play with them or to include them in their teams. Sexism runs rife in this particular sport I can tell you. .....
B-J : By God you're right....
EBU man : I'm glad you've come to that conclusion ...because by this admission of defeat all costs now are going to be awarded against you ....
B-J : Well, I'll be buggered....
EBU man : Probably , given your reputation for caught out by bowlers coming in from the pavilion end   




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