When I was at RubyConf Colombia, I listened to a presenter stating that she will never again speak at or attend a conference that doesn't have an acceptable cod

When I was at RubyConf Colombia, I listened to a presenter stating that she will never again speak at or attend a conference that doesn't have an acceptable code of conduct. The reason she gave is that without a strongly-worded statement, the needs of vulnerable inevitably get trampled on, by that very antagonism the idea dredges up. When there's not a code of conduct and available avenues for reporting harassment and, more importantly, for others to recognize when someone is getting harassed and come to their assistance, then when there is a legitimate instance, the person getting harassed always ends up getting harassed more, by the very people they're trying to go to to resolve the situation. A code of conduct makes everything clear. Just the very suggestion that harassment could occur causes some people to really get their hackles up, as if you just accused them of harassment. I think that's the ultimate reason people have strong reactions to insistence on the need to have a policy. "Why would we need a policy, I would never harass anybody!" That sentiment itself, expressed to someone with legitimate needs, is perceived as harassment.