A groundbreaking law just passed

Dear Friend,

A groundbreaking law has just passed in the ACT. It’s the first state or territory in the country to legally protect intersex people from unnecessary surgeries without their consent.  

This is a law that can be replicated across the country, building on its model of consultation and centring the rights of intersex people.  

Too often, intersex people, often children are subject to medical treatments, including surgeries that can have lifelong consequences including incontinence, incorrect gender assignment, lack of sexual function and infertility.  

Now the ACT has demonstrated what can be achieved to protect the rights of intersex people in a tremendous step forward for the LGBTIQ+ community.  

Will you share this post on social media celebrating this win? 

Historic moment: ACT just passed Australia first laws protecting intersex people

    Share on Facebook 

    Share on Instagram 

Intersex people are born with variations in sex characteristics that don’t fit social or medical norms for male or female bodies. Globally there are calls to end harmful medical interventions on intersex people without their consent.  

The ACT has taken a huge step towards achieving this today.  

Curious about the details of the new laws? The ACT bill includes:  

  • Restrictions on medical treatments that alter the sex characteristics of intersex people except with personal consent, in emergencies, or when authorised by an independent assessment board.  

  • The creation of an independent assessment board with committees comprised of people with lived experience and experts in medicine, human rights, ethics and psychosocial support.  

  • Offences and other regulatory provisions that enforce these principles.  

Equality Australia will continue to push for laws that protect intersex people across the country to build on this wonderful win today and stop more unneccessary surgeries.

Thanks to everyone who showed their support, signed petitions, contacted politicians and shared their stories. It’s because of the whole community that we are here today.  

Best wishes,

Anna Brown

CEO, Equality Australia

Copyright © 2021 Equality Australia, All rights reserved.

Equality Australia is a broad coalition of Australians working to make sure LGBTIQ+ people are equal under the law. You are receiving this email because you either signed up via the Equality Australia website or took an action such as making a donation or signing a petition.

Discussions about campaigning for rights can bring up a range of emotions. Please take care of yourself and know support (and a friendly face) is always there. If you feel you need support, you can contact Beyondblue on 1300 224 636 (available 24/7) or QLife on 1800 184 527 (3pm - midnight 7 days a week).

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

View in Browser | Unsubscribe