Jamaica Considers Change to Sexist 'Decorum Rule' Geared Towards Women

When the Jamaican author Melanie Schwapp turned up for her appointment for a yellow fever vaccination at a government-run health clinic, she was turned away by a security guard who told her that she couldn't enter because she was wearing a sleeveless shirt.

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"I find it ridiculous," said Schwapp, according to the Guardian. "If you are dressing decently, what is the problem if your shoulders are exposed?"

Many women are turned away from public places such as the hospitals, libraries, clinics and government buildings because their clothing has infringed on this "decorum rule." 

Women have also expressed their frustration with the custom in a region where temperatures regularly exceed 30C (86F).  

Earlier this month, Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness announced that he had ordered Babsy Grange, the minister of sports, culture, entertainment and gender affairs, to review the "rule."

"As a modern society, we must evolve," he wrote on Twitter.

"It has always struck me as being a ridiculous rule to apply in a tropical country," said Goffe. But beyond the absurdity, Goffe warned the rule could result in women being denied public services.

Local advocates have been rallying to remove the inconvenient rule supported by the churches in the region.  A local activist, Susan Goffe, told the Guardian that she found no legal basis or government policy to justify the "rule," which many see as excess from the colonial era.  

"It has always struck me as being a ridiculous rule to apply in a tropical country," said Goffe, according to the Guardian.