In a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and safer environment for all citizens, the NSW Parliament passed the LGBTIQA+ Equality Bill last night. The legislation aligns NSW with the rest of the country in ensuring every individual, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, is respected and valued.
The bill introduces several important reforms, including:
- Allowing individuals to change their registered sex via a simple administrative process without requiring surgery.
- Making prejudice against transgender, gender diverse, or intersex people an aggravating factor in sentencing.
- Updating outdated legal language, such as changing “suffering with AIDS” to “living with AIDS.”
- Clarifying that expressing or refusing to express a gender identity does not equate to a mental illness.
- Enabling parentage orders for children born through international commercial surrogacy when it is in the child’s best interest and certain criteria are met.
The Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, was praised for his ongoing advocacy and collaboration with members from all parties to ensure the bill’s success.
This long-awaited legislation is a vital step forward in promoting equality across NSW.