Media Release

Tuesday June 20th 2017

 

 

Equality advocates have urged Australia's state governments to repeal laws forcing married transgender partners to divorce if they want their birth certificate to reflect their gender identity.

 

The call comes in the wake of a landmark UN decision upholding the right of a transgender Australian to remain married under federal law and have her NSW birth certificate amended.

 

Just.equal spokesperson and long-time marriage equality advocate, Rodney Croome, said,

 

"State and territory governments should immediately repeal their laws forcing married couples to divorce if these governments wish to be seen as respecting Australia's human rights obligations."

 

"As the UN has pointed out, it makes no sense for Australia to issue passports that reflect true gender identity but not issue birth certificates in the same circumstances without the onerous pre-requisite of divorce."

 

"It is cruel to make transgender partners choose between their gender identity and their solemn vows of lifelong commitment."

 

Mr Croome dismissed concerns from the NSW and federal governments that repeal of forced divorce laws would create an unacceptable conflict with the federal Marriage Act which does not allow same-sex couples to marry.

 

"The ACT and South Australia have both repealed their transgender forced divorce laws without the sky falling in."

 

NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory all require married partners to divorce if one partner transitions and wants their true gender identity reflected on their birth certificate.

 

For a news report on the UN decision: http://bzfd.it/2skTw4i

 

For a copy of this media releasze on the web, click here