GOV BLAMED FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL DEADLINE
ADVOCATES VOW TO KEEP UP THE FIGHT
Advocates have slammed the State Government for deliberately putting obstacles in the way of groundbreaking gender laws passed in the Lower House earlier this month.
Today, the Parliament rose without the Upper House having passed the reform, despite a majority of members privately indicating in-principle support.
Transforming Tasmania spokesperson, Martine Delaney, said,
“The Government has subverted the democratic process by fear-mongering about the legislation, conducting secretive briefings peppered with mistruths, refusing to allow members access to parliamentary drafters, dragging out the issue until there was little time left and then shutting down debate.”
“Because of its cowardice and prejudice, the Government would rather remain non-compliant with federal law regarding transgender forced divorce than risk the passage of the other urgent transgender reforms this bill deals with.”
“We are particularly disappointed because the Government’s cowardice will have the most devastating impact on transgender, gender diverse and intersex children and their families.”
“Their expectations were raised that they would now be treated equally, but the unnecessary delay sends a clear message that their safety and wellbeing is not valued by this Government.”
“We are disappointed but not daunted. We will fight for this legislation right up until Parliament returns because it is about our lives and our fundamental human dignity.”
Premier Will Hodgman has given Parliament a written commitment to allowing MPs access to parliamentary drafters to ensure there are no problems with the bill, and to a debate on the reform bill when Parliament returns next year.
