Tasmania First State in Australia to Make Gender Optional on Birth Certificates

Tasmania is the first state in Australia to make gender, optional on birth certificates. A gesture applauded by transgender activists, the Tasmanian parliament passed the Bill today afternoon despite deep opposition. The new law has removed the requirement for transgender people to have sexual reassignment surgery in order to have a new gender recognized.

Moreover, persons aged 16 years and older can apply to change their registered gender without parental approval. Martine Delaney, transgender activist called this a 'historic day' for transgender and gender diverse people. "I feel prouder to be a Tasmanian than I ever felt before."

Liberal Speaker Sue Hickey said the new law grants dignity to the transgender community.

However, the opposition claims that the Bill was poorly drafted and will have unintended consequences. Premier Will Hodgman said there hasn't been a full review of the legislation and how it affects other statutes. "It is highly likely the parliament will need to fix up problems with the legislation and repeal the Labor-Green amendments at a later date."

The Australian Christian Lobby will be repealing the reforms stating that the removal of gender on birth certificates was ignoring biological truths.