Dunedin nurse and feminist Jennifer Scott addressed the council with concerns about transgender women using the female changing rooms at Moana Pool.
She asked for the council to ensure designated sex-based private areas, such as changing rooms and toilets, would be upheld in all facilities funded or owned by the council.
After her submission, Mr Hawkins, who appeared visibly shaken, told Ms Scott her submission was "hard to listen to, and it was at very least distasteful, if not repugnant".
He told her he was proud to be part of an organisation which supported groups in the community and to be inclusive of who they were.
Mr Hawkins said Ms Scott’s words were harmful to the LGBTQ+ community.
Cr Lee Vandervis made a point of order and said the forum was not an appropriate place for Mr Hawkins’ personal views.
He said it was the job of the council to listen.
After a small argument between the two, deputy mayor Christine Garey did not uphold Cr Vandervis’ point, prompting an audible laugh from him.
Cr Jules Radich told Ms Scott he was unaware Moana Pool staff were directing patrons who were "anatomically male" to use the female-designated changing rooms, and said he agreed the use was inappropriate.
He asked how long the practice had been happening.
Ms Scott said she was aware transgender women were being directed to the family changing areas, but if a staff member was not aware of the situation, the patrons would sometimes enter the women’s changing room.
Mr Hawkins continued to interrupt the exchange and asked if the councillor had a question, prompting Cr Radich to raise his voice.
Cr Radich finished by asking if Moana Pool needed to establish clear protocols for staff and patrons for the use of gender-based facilities, to which Ms Scott agreed.
