Media Release 
Saturday November 24th 2018
 
NEW NORTHERN TERRITORY GENDER LAWS EXPLODE MYTH GENDER REFORMS “CONTROVERSIAL”
 
Advocates for Tasmania’s transgender law reforms have welcomed the passage of similar laws in the Northern Territory yesterday.
 
The Territory Assembly has passed laws that remove the requirement for surgery before gender on birth certificates can be amended, and that allow for an option other than male and female on birth certificates.
 
Transforming Tasmania spokesperson, Roen Meijers, said,
 
"This initiative by the Northern Territory explodes the myth that these reforms are controversial, radical or need endless ‘consultation’.”
 
“Australia has fallen behind the rest of the world in this area, but Tasmania's lower house decision last week shows we still have the ability to lead the way to a better future for transgender, gender diverse and intersex people.”
 
Mx Meijers said the NT legislation is a positive step, but falls short of current human rights standards in some areas.
 
“The NT legislation still requires the intervention of medical professionals before a birth certificate can be amended, and doesn’t allow the choice to remove gender from birth certificates.”
 
“The Tasmanian legislation is better in both regards.”
 
For s copy of this statement on the web, click here
 
For more information contact Roen Meijers on 0409 056 868.