A music event in Sweden called The Statement, which took place this August in Gothenburg as the “first major music festival for women, non-binary and transgender only,” was found guilty of discrimination, Daily Mail reports.
The authorities have ruled that the organizers have violated the anti-discrimination legislation by describing the event as “male-free.”
Although men were not prevented from buying tickets or entering the festival area, male members of artists’ entourages, as well as male technicians and managers, were reportedly restricted to a so-called “man-pen” in a backstage area.
Clas Lundstedt, the press officer of Sweden’s Discrimination Ombudsman, said the event violated the legislation through the statements made on the official website, pointing out that nobody suffered damage as a result of The Statement saying men were not welcome. Therefore, there will be no penalty for the organizers.
The festival was also billed as a “safe space” featuring “cis-men free” artists, security and catering.
The event was the idea of Swedish comedian Emma Knyckare, who came up with the festival’s concept after many sexual offenses were reported at Bravalla, the country’s biggest music festival, last year.
The Statement wrote in a response via Facebook:
“It’s sad that what 5,000 women, non-binaries and transgender experienced as a life-changing festival, made a few cis-men lose it completely.
“The success of The Statement festival shows that is exactly what we need, and the DO’s verdict doesn’t change this fact. Otherwise, we have no comments. We are busy changing the world.”
