Former Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie says proposed changes to birth certificates ‘crap’

FIREBRAND former Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie has dismissed a push to remove gender from birth certificates as “typical Labor and Greens crap” while calling for a senate inquiry into transgender issues.

Former Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie. Picture: Rob Leeson

FIREBRAND former Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie has dismissed a push to remove gender from birth certificates as “typical Labor and Greens crap” while calling for a Senate inquiry into transgender issues.

The North-West woman, campaigning to return to the Senate after falling prey to the dual citizenship scandal that swept Canberra, has spoken out against the Greens’ proposal to remove gender markers from birth certificates.

The push has the backing of Labor and will be debated in Tasmanian Parliament next month as an amendment to a Government Bill.

Ms Lambie said she firmly believed people were born male or female and if they later identified as transgender “well, that’s up to them”.

“I don’t know what the big deal is about going in and changing birth certificates when there’s many more important things that need to be talked about,” she said.

“It’s typical Labor and Greens crap and I think people have had enough of it.”

Ms Lambie said she was worried about “legal ramifications down the track” should the change come into effect and said the best way forward would be for a Senate inquiry into transgender issues.

Asked the potential consequences, Ms Lambie said: “I don’t know, because I’m like you, I haven’t had an inquiry.”

Transforming Tasmania spokeswoman Martine Delaney said there was no need for a Senate inquiry into state-based legislation, and disputed there would be unintended consequences should gender markers be removed from birth certificates.

“People are not affected by what’s on their birth certificate unless they’re transgender or gender diverse,” Ms Delaney said.

“There is scientific evidence to back up the fact that people are indeed transgender … It’s not something that you decide to do when you grow up.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said Ms Lambie was a “a private citizen entitled to her misinformed views”.

Attorney-General Elise Archer said she was also worried about “potentially serious unintended consequences” related to the Greens’ amendment.

“The Hodgman Liberal Government believes the best way to examine the proposed reforms is through the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute, to ensure Tasmanians get to have a say on how their government manages sex and gender,” she said.