Tasmania’s Lower House has passed a number of reforms to state law that will remove hurdles for transgender and gender diverse people who are seeking to have their gender legally recognised.
The Liberal state government were working to update state law to fall in line with federal marriage law, and remove the requirement for transgender and gender diverse people to divorce before having their gender affirmed.
Labor and the Greens added nine amendments to the bill, which were opposed by the government, passed with the support of the Liberal Speaker of the House Sue Hickey.
The amendments will make way for a range of changes including allowing parents to choose whether or not a child has their gender marked on their birth certificate. The sex of the child will still be noted on medical documents and records.
Children under 16 will be able to apply with the support of their parents or guardian to include their gender information on their documentation, while people over 16 can provide a statutory declaration to the registrar.
The amendments would also remove the requirement for transgender and gender diverse people to undergo surgery before having their gender recognised, in line with laws in the ACT and South Australia.
Advocacy group Transforming Tasmania spokesperson Roen Meijers said they applaud the Tasmanian Lower House for “providing greater equity, dignity and hope for transgender, gender diverse and intersex Tasmanians.”
“A year ago Tasmanians voted emphatically for the principle of equality and it’s wonderful to see that principle finally being put into practice for transgender, gender diverse and intersex Tasmanians.”
“It’s particularly important that this reform has passed on the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, the day where we remember those transgender people whose lives were lost to prejudice, hate and violence.”
Meijers says the community will now turn their attention to the Upper House, where the bill will face a more diverse cross-bench of independent MPs.
“Our simple message to Upper House members is that it’s time for equality for all Tasmanians, regardless of our gender identity.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison responded to the advancement of the reforms on Twitter, saying that the move to remove gender from birth certificates was “ridiculous.”
“Bill Shorten should step up and commit to put motion to ALP Federal Conference to outlaw it,” the PM tweeted.
Roen Meijers and Transforming Tasmania have invited the Prime Minister to meet transgender, gender diverse and intersex Tasmanians who will be affected by the reforms.
“Transgender, gender diverse and intersex people have compelling stories to tell of stigma and discrimination, and as Prime Minister, Mr Morrison has a responsibility to hear these stories so he is fully informed,” Meijers said.
“We are happy to meet Mr Morrison anywhere anytime, and all we ask in return is that he comes to the meeting with an open mind.”
The Australian Conservatives have also lashed out at the potential changes to Tasmanian law. Spokesperson and Queensland Senate candidate Lyle Shelton said LGBTIQ+ activists like Rodney Croome, known for his work in Tasmania, would not stop “until gender fluid queer theory is compulsory for every Australian child in public and private schools.”
“The Liberal, Nationals and Labor politicians who capitulated to Green-rainbow activist over the past 10 years are now responsible for the dangerous gender-confused mess Australia is now in. Conservatives are running for the Senate at the 2019 election to restore common sense and being to clean up the mess,” the former Australian Christian Lobby chair said.
NSW-based Australian Conservative and prominent anti-Safe Schools campaigner Kirralie Smith also took to social media, calling Tasmanian politicians “dangerous idiots.”
Smith wrote that removing “biological sex/gender indications” on birth certificates will put the safety of citizens at risk.
“The laws passed in the lower house in Tasmania basically mean individuals can change gender at will,” Smith said.
“This will seriously compromise the safety of kids in schools when it comes to teacher supervision, change rooms, dormitories and accommodation on school camps.”
Transgender advocate Martine Delaney said the reforms were a victory after a 14-year fight for change.
“It means the trans and gender-diverse people in Tasmania will be on a level playing field when it comes to every day life.”
OIP Staff
