STATE House have dismissed claims by the Non-governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) alleging that females are prohibited from entering State House with handbags.
State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said, to the contrary, security measures have been relaxed compared to the past.
Mr Hamasaka said it should be noted that citizens who decline to have their bags, whether handbags or briefcases, screened forfeit their right to enter.
Recently, NGOCC expressed concerns over some alleged security measures by State security which disadvantaged women from carrying handbags.
However, State House have dismissed the claims, noting that no one has ever been sent away from State House because of carrying a handbag.
“We have taken note of a statement made by NGOCC regarding the prohibition of women carrying handbags inside State House during state functions.With all due respect to our women’s organization, it is important to clarify that no woman has ever been prevented from entering State House solely due to carrying a handbag. There have been no additional security measures implemented at State House under the current administration. In fact, those who observe fairly would agree that the rules have actually been relaxed compared to the past,” Mr Hamasaka said.
He explained that the procedures followed at the entrance involve the routine screening of items entering State House, similar to security protocols in other restricted areas such as airports.
Mr Hamasaka said if the scanning machines detect an item that may be deemed suspicious in someone’s possession, they respectfully ask the individual to step aside for a physical inspection conducted in their presence.
“In such cases, female security personnel assist women, while male personnel assist men. However, it should be noted that citizens who decline to have their bags, whether handbags or briefcases, screened forfeit their right to enter,” he said.
