Major Reform For Trans People Is On The Cards In Victoria
The deeply offensive process of "forced trans divorce" could soon be a thing of the past.
The deeply offensive process of “forced trans divorce” could soon be a thing of the past if the Victorian government has its way. Under changes proposed by Labor Premier Daniel Andrews, transgender, intersex and gender diverse people will be able to change their birth certificates and nominate their sex descriptor much more easily.
At the moment people can only change the sex descriptor on their birth certificate if they undergo surgical procedures. Under current laws if one partner in a marriage changes their legal gender identity and wants a new birth certificate they are required to divorce, as the gender transition would place them in a same-sex marriage, something explicitly outlawed in Australia. This is known as a “forced trans divorce”.
Amazing! Surgery no longer required for trans folk in Victoria to change their legal gender marker. ✨ https://t.co/ItgHwMUu5S
— Allison Gallagher (@bornhowling) August 17, 2016
Fantastic #trans & #intersex people will have ID documents they need to be treated with dignity & respect #springst https://t.co/95oWbRAdEk — Anna Brown (@AnnaHRLC) August 17, 2016
The Victorian government’s proposal would change both these things, for the better. Victorians will simply be able to request a change to their birth certificate and won’t be required to divorce if they are married. Parents will also be able to change their birth certificates of their children, with consent.
“Nobody should be forced to undergo major surgery or choose between maintaining a legal relationship with their spouse just to get a birth certificate that reflects who they are,” the Victorian Attorney-General, Martin Pakula, said
Similar laws have been proposed by The Greens and Independent MP Alex Greenwich in NSW but have yet to pass Parliament. The Victorian government’s proposal will need to secure majority support in the Legislative Council before it becomes law. The Greens and the Sex Party are likely to support it, but at least one additional vote is required. Junkee has contacted the Opposition spokesperson for equality, David Davis, for comment and to ask if the Liberal party will be supporting the bill.
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Feature image via Twitter