Media release – Equality Tasmania, 18 October 2021

HOPE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION INTERSEX REPORT WILL BUILD MOMENTUM FOR REFORM IN TASMANIA 

Tasmanian intersex community advocates have welcomed the Australian Human Rights Commission report on unnecessary, non-consenting medical intervention on young people with variations of sex characteristics.
The report recommends all Australian states and territories pass legislation to prevent such medical interventions.
Simone-lisa Anderson, who is a parent of an intersex child and the Tasmanian representative on the board of Intersex Peer Support Australia, said,
“We welcome the Australian Human Rights Commission report because it will increase momentum for reform in Tasmania.”
“Unfortunately, children are still undergoing unnecessary, damaging operations just so their bodies conform to society’s expectations.”
“People with variations of sex characteristics should have control over their own bodies, identities and lives.”
The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute has already recommended reform to protect young people with variations of sex characteristics from unnecessary surgeries.
Ms Anderson said,
“Since the TLRI recommended reform we have encountered significant support among Tasmanian politicians.”
“I’m hopeful Tasmania will soon move to recognise that young intersex people are fine they way they are, and protect them from damaging surgeries.”
A copy of the AHRC report can be found here: