In the interests of protecting children, only women may sit next to unaccompanied children.
Discrimination?
Or do you want your unaccompanied child to be seated next to a man?
Air New Zealand and Qantas have banned men from sitting next to unaccompanied children on flights, sparking accusations of discrimination. . . .
A Qantas spokesman confirmed the Australian airline, which operates domestic flights in New Zealand, does not allow unaccompanied children to sit next to men. The spokesman said the airline believed it was what customers wanted.
Air New Zealand spokeswoman Rosie Paul said the airline had a similar policy to that of Qantas'.
"Airlines are temporary guardians of unaccompanied minors so we have preferred seating for them."
Ms Paul said Air New Zealand tried to seat children near a crew area so crew could keep an eye on them and, when possible, children were seated next to an empty seat.
"Sometimes this isn't possible, so the preference is to seat a female passenger next door to an unaccompanied minor."
When the Herald asked her if the airline considered male passengers to be dangerous to children, Ms Paul replied: "That's not what I said."
When it was put to her that that was the implication of the policy, she repeated: "No, that's not what I said."
Children's Commissioner Cindy Kiro said she commended the airlines for putting thought into the policy and for endeavouring to keep children safe.
Dr Kiro said she did not think it was intended to be a slur against men.
Hat tip from Talkleft
Gender Discrimination Politics Patriarchy Sexual Predators Pedophilia Feminism
