Staff at an Australian pub have been called out for being ‘uneducated and culturally insensitive’ after denying entry to a Māori woman with a traditional facial tattoo.
Jadene Kini was denied entry to Burleigh Pavilion’s popular Burleigh Pavilion. Gold Coast Madison Bartlett is a NRLW Titans player. She posed on social media with Madison Bartlett and called it ‘racism in its best’.
‘Every Māori woman has a birthright for kauae, it’s an identity, it’s who you are and where you come from,’ Ms Kini told 9News.
Madison Bartlett, NRLW’s star in NRLW (left), posted pictures to social media following Jadene Kini’s refusal to enter Burleigh Pavilion due to her facial tattoo (right).
Ms Kini (pictured), stated that tattoos are culturally significant, and hopes to spread awareness about Australia.
The moko kauae are traditional female chin tattoos which in Māori culture are believed to be a manifestation of a deeper identity.
Staff at Burleigh Pavilion informed the pair that facial tattoos were not allowed. The pair stated they wanted to express the meaning of the ink. Security staff didn’t like it.
“We tried to explain that it was more than a face tattoo, it is a cultural tattoo. But they were not interested in listening,” Ms Bartlett said.
According to the pair, they had spoken with several staff members who said she wouldn’t be permitted inside.
Dress code for the venue prohibits aggressive or intimidating tattoos, as well as a blanket ban on neck and face ink.
Ms Kini, Ms Bartlett believe the rule needs to be reviewed. They also suggest that distinctions should be made regarding culturally important tattoos.
Māori chin tattoos are widely accepted in modern New Zealand society with one of the nation’s most high profile politicians, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta, having one.
Daily Mail Australia reached out to the Burleigh Pavilion in order for them to comment.
Burleigh Pavilion, on the Gold coast, has an exclusive dress code that bans neck and face tattoos
A young clubber tells The Project that she has the ‘human right to’ have traditional facial tattoos. She was refused entry to a bar due to her ink.
Danyal Hussain, Daily Mail Australia
One young lady was denied entry into a club because she had cultural tattoos on her face. She claims that having ink on her skin is her human right.
Moale, a 23-year-old Papua New Guinean woman of Papua New Guinean descent, went out to celebrate her partner’s 21st birthday. BrisbaneFortitude Valley, June:’s nightclub precinct
But she soon found herself turned away from popular Latin American club Hey Chica! Security guards reacted to her traditional tattoos.
Ms James later took to Facebook To criticize the “racist, discriminatory” treatment she was given.
The Project asked her why she considers her markings so significant.
“There’s so many diverse groups here, I’m surrounded by, and the population of Pacific Islanders in Queensland is large, and there are many of us who want to practise culture.
“We should be reviewing laws and policies that do not reflect our community. This is our culture, and it shouldn’t be forced upon us.
“It is a human right for people to exercise their rights, so laws we live under should also reflect this and should be based on the needs of the entire community.”
Ms. James was proud to have the traditional tattoo shown (pictured) in honor of her Papua New Guinean heritage.
The Project host Sarah Harris and Waleed Aly pictured, the clubber spoke out to discuss why she marks are so important.
Ms. James said that she wants to “make some noise” for those who wish to preserve their cultural heritage.
“We crossed the street to another venue, and the security guard there asked us if we would allow her in. All my friends agreed. Just look at her license.
“She looked at me, and she asked why I wouldn’t allow you to in?” Actually, we aren’t permitted to discriminate or categorize anyone based upon our cultural differences.
“And so, we went. We spent the remainder of the evening in that place.
“Now, we are here to try and make noise for anybody else who might proudly sport the marks of their ancestrals too, to change the liquor acts that could prevent us practicing our culture.”
Moale (pictured), 23-year-old, was not allowed to enter Hey Chica! for her traditional face tattoos, which she has to honour her Papua New Guinean heritage
Ms. James said that she wants to make a difference for those who wish to preserve their cultural heritage.
Hey Chica! The website Hey Chica! outlines the strict dress code.
Dress up to impress. Casual wear is preferred, but smart casual suits are best. Closures are mandatory. You are not allowed to have any tattoos on your face, neck, or hands. The door manager or host will decide whether you are allowed to enter. Special events may have a different dress code. We can provide more information about the dress code, so please get in touch with us prior to your visit.
Ms James has taken a stand saying she will be speaking with her local member about the ‘rule’ dictating that face tattoos are affiliated with gangs, and how this must be changed to reflect the diverse community.
Also, she said that she expected a written apology from venue.
Ms. James shared a private message on Facebook from the club, in which it apologized for the unintended harm caused and reiterated its policies.
“Thank you for sharing this experience with us and your understanding of the Hey Chica staff!” The message explained that the staff at Hey Chica were adhering to procedure.
Ms. James posted on Facebook that she called the rule discriminatory and racist and will now meet up with her local MP in an effort to change it.
Ms. James received a private message from the club, which she posted on Facebook. The club thanked her for the unintended harm it caused and reiterated its commitment to the policy
“While we are sorry that you have been inconvenienced by our rules, Hey Chica has a policy prohibiting head or face tattoos. Along with other terms and conditions. We are aware that this policy is strict, but we will enforce it under the Liquor Act.
Queensland’s liquor laws provide penalties for venues who fail to take reasonable steps not to permit people to wear items that are associated with criminal organizations, including bikie gangs.
Speaking to ABC, Ms James said the tattoos are marks handed down through generations and were from her great-grandmother dating back to when her village was established.
Elle said that the chief of village requested his daughters carry their marks and stories on skin. This request has been repeated through the generations.
She stated, “They are of great spiritual or ancestral value for me and my family,”
Ms. James claimed that the face markings were a part of her family’s ancestral and spiritual heritage.
Chica! According to its website, people with hand or face tattoos will not be allowed entry
After being refused entry to the club, Ms James explained that she had spoken to lawyers in her area and learned that the club could refuse service or admission to anyone, provided it’s not discriminatory.
Ms James explained that she was not aware of the fact that her group included gang members and dangerous criminals.
‘I went back and I said, “these are cultural and what are you going to do about that?” There was no reply.
Ms. James claims that her goal is to change people’s views about facial tattoos by telling them the truth.
The venue should review its policies, she hopes. But at least it must educate those responsible for making them to think differently about the people wearing their mark with pride.
Chica, Hey Chica! A comment was made to Chica.
