The Tasmanian Opposition has been accused of moving to force "Middle Eastern" dress codes on school girls ahead of its annual state conference.
But Labor has been quick to hit back at the man dishing out the criticism — Braddon Liberal MP Adam Brooks — saying he has got "no credibility".
Party members will gather in George Town tomorrow to debate a range of motions, including a draft policy framework outlining a range of reforms across health and education.
In a Facebook video, Mr Brooks labelled the document a "Manifesto of Madness", pointing to a policy that would reassess school dress code policies and "enforce modest dress codes for girls as a means of preventing sexist behaviour".
"As a father of teenagers, I find that offensive," Mr Brooks said.
"It's unbelievable, it sounds like something happening in a Middle Eastern country, not Australia and not in Tasmania."
In a section called Status of Women, the following appears in a column headed "Labor will":
"Reassess school dress codes" and "enforce modest dress codes for girls as a means of preventing sexist behaviour".
The reasoning for this position appears in a column headed "Labor recognises":
At school, gender stereotypes become entrenched and shape attitudes, behaviours and choices.
Gender stereotypes inform young people's expectations about intimate relationships.
That bullying, discrimination and mental health issues might also arise as a result of gendered expectations, with negative consequences for girls, Trans and gender diverse young people, and boys.
Mr Brooks said the modest dress enforcement would become Labor policy.
"Labor MPs are bound to follow the outcome of their party conference," he said.
Nothing's official until it's debated: Labor
But ALP State Secretary Stuart Benson said a wide range of issues was always debated at the conferences.
"Motions and platforms to be debated at the conference are all proposals," he said.
"Labor's platforms and policy do not become official until debated and voted on at the conference.
"There are always amendments made to motions and platforms and not every motion is supported."
Labor MP Scott Bacon said Mr Brooks had no credibility.
"We know that Adam Brooks can't be taken seriously when it comes to politics in Tasmania," he said.
"What we will be doing at the conference is debating the issues that are important to Tasmanians, things like health, education and good sustainable jobs.
"We know that's what Tasmanians want us to be talking about."
