Readers react to allegations of harassment and sexism at Halifax Fire Department

Readers are speaking outon social media following coverage of former firefighters'allegations of harassment, discrimination and sexism at the Halifax Regional Fire Department.

• Halifax firefighters say they were targeted for complaining about sexism
• 'I did fear for my safety': Female Halifax firefighters describe harassment on the job

'Some valid points'

From Peggy McCann, via Facebook:

"Sexual harassment and equal opportunity laws and policies had been in place across the country for I don't know15, 20 years, especially in places like the public service, and municipalities," she commented.

"Things 'you didn't know were offensive' were just as offensive and wrong 20years ago as they are now. Twenty years ago wasn't the 1950s, or the 1970s. That excuse ain't gonna fly."

From Trevor Parsons, via Facebook:

"Time for the male firefighters who are not involved in any of this I'm guessing the vast majority need to stand up for their female colleagues and make their work place inclusive and respectful."

'I got the same questions'

Others said the kinds ofquestions that female firefighters were asked in interviews about their relationship status and whether they can wear heavy gear were fair game.

From Jazzer Maitland, via Facebook:

"I got the same questions whenIjoined the Canadian Forces. It never made me worry for my safety. These people need to trust you with their lives, if they ask if you're married or why you're there, they are genuinely concerned you're there to find a date and not watch their back."

From Lorene Atkinson, via Facebook:

"Hey some of those questions are appropriate andprobably asked of men as well, as not every man can carry a heavy pack or handle the stress of the job either."

From Locke Churchill, via Facebook:

"Someone slight of stature being asked if they can lift something heavy? The nerve! I mean, it's like if someone asked my scrawny, 130-pound self if I could do that! Oh wait, they probably would."

From Jonathan M Hill, via Facebook:

"I respect any woman that can hack it as a firefighter. That being said, though, being physically weaker than their male counterparts is a limiting factor when it comes to saving lives," he wrote.

"Not too many women can carry or drag a 100-kg human to safety in a rescue situation."