SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance has welcomed the defeat of One Nation member Cory Bernardi’s Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (South Australia) (Childhood Gender Dysphoria) Amendment Bill in the state’s Legislative Council.
Under the bill, health practitioners would have faced 5 years imprisonment for prescribing or administering puberty blockers, gender-affirming hormones and other specified medications to people under 18 years of age for the primary purpose of treating gender dysphoria.
The bill was defeated following decisive opposition from SA Labor and the Greens. CEO of the SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance, Varo Lee, welcomed the news.
“Today’s decision in Parliament is a win for evidence-based healthcare and the wellbeing of trans young people across South Australia.”
“While we have watched with concern as public health systems in Queensland and the Northern Territory restricted essential youth healthcare, South Australian lawmakers have today drawn a clear line against overreach. Healthcare decisions belong between young people, their families, and qualified health professionals – not politicians pushing divisive ideological agendas.”
“By voting down Hon Cory Bernardi’s bill, Parliament has ensured that clinical decisions in South Australia remain guided by medical science and standards for safe quality care, rather than the threat of jail time for dedicated health professionals.” they said.
“To young trans and gender diverse South Australians and their families: today’s outcome means your access to care and support remains safe, legal, and uninterrupted. South Australia continues to be a state where your health, safety, and dignity matter.”
