The Keys has voted to give Manx Labour Party leader Joney Faragher leave to introduce a Bill to secure the provision of free period products.
The proposed legislation, debated on Tuesday, aims to provide “free accessible period products for all who need them” in publicly run facilities to uphold “comfort, hygiene and dignity”.
Faragher argued the products are essential, stating, “Period products are no different” to provided items like toilet paper.
She cited successful schemes in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, noting that reliable access shows it rarely results in stockpiling.
Responsibility
The motion saw mixed responses. Rob Callister supported the principle but suggested starting in educational settings, asking the mover to “seriously considers the educational setting first”.
Chris Thomas questioned the logistics, asking, who would take responsibility for such a scheme.
Julie Edge also voiced significant cost concerns, saying: “I’m very concerned about agreeing to allow private members bill on this today without knowing the financial impact on every taxpayer.”
She noted that schools already provide products through existing funds.
In response, Ms Faragher said the goal was “parity with our neighbouring jurisdictions” and addressed cost worries by stating that in other areas, “this provision has been used less than the models were predicted”.
She committed to working with departments on funding and the motion passed with 21 votes for and two against.