Scott Morrison Has Thrown His Support Behind Transphobic Sports Bill
Morrison thinks the proposed bill that would legalise excluding trans kids from sports is "terrific."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shown his support for a Tasmanian bill that would allow sporting groups to exclude transgender people from single-sex sports.
On the campaign trail this week, Morrison threw his support behind Tasmanian Senator Claire Chandler. Chandler’s proposed bill aims to amend the Sex Discrimination act. The proposed private members’ bill will amend the Sex Discrimination Act to allow for trans youth to be excluded from single-sex sports.
The bill would clarify that the operation of single-sex sport on the basis of biological sex would not be discriminatory and totally legal. Its current working title is the so-called, “Save Women’s Sports Bill.” Yikes.
While campaigning in the Tasmanian marginal seat of Lyons, Morrison told reporters he thought the bill was “terrific.” When questioned by the Sydney Morning Herald Morrison said, “I support it, as Claire knows.”
He continued, “I think it’s a terrific bill and I’ve given her great encouragement. Claire is a champion for women’s sport and I think she’s been right to raise these issues in the way that she has. Well done, Claire.”
But, as a matter of fact, not well done, Claire Chandler. Equality Australia has called for the state’s senate to reject Senator Chandler’s Private Member’s Bill in its entirety, calling it “cruel and divisive.”
Equality Australia has also pointed out that The Sex Discrimination Act already allows for discrimination in competitive sports on the grounds of sex, gender identity or intersex status. The Act already allows excluding people where strength, stamina, and physique are deemed relevant.
Chandler’s bill would affect trans and intersex persons under the age of 12, broadening the reach of the exemptions that already exist. Equity Australia already has created a petition to demand senators defend inclusive sports in Tasmania. You can sign the petition here.
This is far from the first time either Scott Morrison or his government has endorsed trans-exclusionary policies. Just this month, the Morrison government tried to pass its religious discrimination bill. The bill would have allowed exemptions for discrimination against trans students on religious grounds.