An art museum is being sued for a women's only exhibit that contains some of the museum's most-acclaimed works.
The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Tasmania features a "Ladies Lounge" which takes the imagery of an old Australian pub and twists it on its head, by only allowing women inside.
Inside the exhibit, there is a chandelier that hangs over a phallus-shaped velvet couch and a chequered marble floor.
Women guests are ushered into the space and handed champagne by male butlers "who live to serve" them.
The Museum of Old and New Art in Tasmania
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Now, New South Wales resident Jason Lau has complained that Mona is engaging in illegal discrimination.
Artist Kirsha Kaechele called the exhibit an "essential space for perspective and reset from this strange and disjointed world of male domination".
Appearing at the high court Lau said: "I was quite surprised when I was told that I would not be able to see one exhibition, the Ladies Lounge.
"Anyone who buys a ticket would expect a fair provision of goods and services in line with the law."
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The museum agrees the exhibit does indeed discriminate.
But it argued that Lau hasn't missed out on anything and that he experienced the artwork exactly as intended.
Mona's counsel, Catherine Scott said: "Part of the experience is being denied something that is desired...It excludes men, and I would be lying if I were to say I didn't find it titillating."
During the court case, the museum's supporters appeared to move in a subtle, synchronised dance by crossing their legs and resting their heads on their fists, clutching their hearts, and looking down their glasses.
The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Tasmania features a "Ladies Lounge" which takes the imagery of an old Australian pub and twists it on its head, by only allowing women inside
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Scott said Mona has a legal defence with the law - as written - allows for discrimination if "designed to promote equal opportunity for a group of people who are disadvantaged or have a special need because of a prescribed attribute".
Lau argued that section of the law was designed to grant "positive discrimination" and not "negative discrimination".
He added that he wants the lounge to either be closed or for it to admit men.
Kaechele says the case has felt like the art coming to life.
"It brings up very serious and interesting conversations, but there's also something light-hearted about it. Women delight in it and most men, I think, enjoy it. They find it funny," she told the BBC.
