Prime Minister Scott Morrison slams ‘ridiculous’ Tasmanian gender law

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has savaged a “ridiculous” push to allow Tasmanian parents to choose whether to include their baby’s gender on a birth certificate

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described a Tasmanian plan to remove gender from birth certificates in the island state as “ridiculous”. Picture: AAP

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has savaged a “ridiculous” push to allow Tasmanian parents to choose whether to include their baby’s gender on a birth certificate.

Transgender rights reforms, put forward by the Labor opposition and the Greens, passed the Tasmanian Lower House on Tuesday night.

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The changes were passed by the casting vote of rogue Liberal Speaker Sue Hickey, who voted against her party.

“Labor’s plan to remove gender from birth certificates in Tasmania is ridiculous,” Mr Morrison tweeted on Wednesday.

Labor’s plan to remove gender from birth certificates in Tasmania is ridiculous. Bill Shorten should step up and commit to put motion to ALP Federal Conference to outlaw it.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) November 20, 2018

“Bill Shorten should step up and commit to put motion to ALP Federal Conference to outlaw it.”

Mr Shorten told reporters in Sydney he had no plans to change protocols around birth certificates.

“I’ve got no plans to change the way that birth certificates are filled out in this country.

“I saw Mr Morrison out talking about gender issues again, if that’s what’s most important to him that’s his prerogative,” he said.

The Bill — which now goes before the Upper House — also allows people 16 or older to change the gender on their birth certificate by filling out a statutory declaration.

Transforming Tasmania, a transgender and gender-diverse rights group, has lauded the changes.

Thank you Bec and to your party @TasmanianLabor for bravely supporting Australia's most progressive trans, gender diverse & people with variations of sex characteristics law reform in the House of Assembly today. pic.twitter.com/ShoeJoG4QV

— Transforming Tasmania (@TransformingTas) November 20, 2018

“I applaud the Tasmanian lower house for providing greater equity, dignity and hope for transgender, gender diverse and intersex Tasmanians,” spokesperson Roen Meijers said.

Congratulations to everyone who championed Aust’s best trans & gender diverse law reform through Tas lower house this evening, including Ella Haddad, Cassy O’Connor, Sue Hickey and Transforming Tasmania. Great way to commemorate Trans Day of Remembrance. Now, to the Upper House. pic.twitter.com/LdjL324U4f

— Rodney Croome (@RodneyCroome) November 20, 2018

Labor’s justice spokeswoman Ella Haddad said it was a great outcome on the back of the marriage equality vote that won’t diminish the rights of others.

Liberal Attorney-General Elise Archer believes the amendments are deeply flawed.

“This amended bill contains legally untested, unconsulted and highly problematic changes that we could not support,” she said in a statement.

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor has warned Will Hodgman not to marginalise transgender people and the Speaker agrees. AG Elise Archer and Resources Minister Guy Barnett share a look #politas

— Emily Baker (@emlybkr) November 20, 2018

An amendment to Tasmania’s anti-discrimination laws, designed to ensure the correct use of transgender people’s names and honorifics, was also passed.

The changes were attached to a Bill introduced by the Government that would stop people who transition genders from being forced to divorce, bringing state laws in line with federal legislation.

The Government had wanted the amendments referred to the Tasmania Law Reform Institute.

Today, Tasmania’s House of Assembly voted to affirm the rights of transgender & intersex Tasmanians to be treated equally & fairly under the law.

An historic vote, it’s the day equality & courage won over prejudice & fear. #politas

— Cassy O'Connor 🍀 (@CassyOConnorMP) November 20, 2018

“These changes will make people, who we should all care about, feel happier, safer and more included,” Greens leader Cassy O’Connor told parliament.

The Bill must still pass Tasmania’s Upper House of mostly independents before becoming law.