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Another Hollywood star causing a stink?
This time it’s justified: Ashton Kutcher has decried the lack of nappy-changing facilities in men’s public toilets in the US.
He really ought to be potty trained by now!
I imagine he probably is. Kutcher, 37, is a new father, though, and said he had yet to encounter a nappy-changing table in a men’s toilet. The actor has a five-month-old daughter, Wyatt Isobelle, with his partner, the actress Mila Kunis.
What did he say?
Kutcher, who got his big break in the coming-of-age sitcom That ’70s Show and recently starred in the Steve Jobs biopic, Jobs, wrote on his Facebook page: “There are NEVER diaper changing stations in men’s public restrooms. The first public men’s room that I go into that has one gets a free shout out on my [Facebook] page!”
It’s rather outdated to assume nappy-changing is women’s work…
Indeed – especially as a notable minority of families now have two fathers. A spokesman from Stonewall, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality charity told i: “It’s essential that baby-changing facilities are available to all parents and guardians, regardless of their gender. It’s important that these facilities reflect modern society and the different families within it.”
Has Kutcher has become an unexpected voice of the people?
His post had received nearly 250,000 “likes” last night from members of the public who echoed his frustration. More than 10,000 people, including many Britons, have commented on the post to voice their agreement or recommend businesses that do offer the appropriate facilities.
He clearly struck a chord…
Gender equality works both ways and these days fathers are playing a bigger role in their children’s lives than ever before. Currently fathers in the UK are entitled to just two weeks’ paid paternity leave if they meet certain criteria. But new legislation means couples with babies due on or after 5 April will be able to share leave, giving men the opportunity to spend more time with their children.
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