Innes pushes for trans law change

Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes sent a solemn message last week, calling on Australians to remember the horrors and difficulties that discrimination still inflicts on people who are gender diverse.

The comments were made to mark the 10th International Transgender Day of Action and to announce the impending release of a report which will give recommendations on how to tackle trans discrimination in Australia.

It is sobering to think that this day of action was established as a reminder of those who have been killed as a result of anti-gendered hatred or prejudice, Innes said.

After same-sex entitlement reforms, the Commission has now set its sights on the rights of the trans community and has been researching and consulting on issues faced by gender diverse communities over the last year.

The Commission said one of the key research areas focuses on problems caused when identity documents do not reflect the gender a person lives.

Transgender Victoria spokeswoman Sally Goldner said she welcomed Innes’ comments as a symbolic start, however she hopes the report will also reflect the need for federal equal opportunity law to cover gender diversity, not just identity documents.

It’s certainly an issue, but if you don’t have federal equal opportunity law then what’s the insurance that if you got some kind of documentation reform going that people would do it? she told Sydney Star Observer.

I don’t see why we have to be limited on these issues. To use the comparison of same-sex couples, they’re not being rationed in terms of what reforms they’re getting. Why can’t we get all of ours?

Goldner said she was yet to have an indication of the report’s recommendations but said she hopes the solution of identity documentation wasn’t an isolated segment. The final report will be released early next year. Innes has already called on governments across the country to work together on discrimination in the area.

I call on federal, state and territory governments to implement these recommendations and work to minimise discrimination against people who are gender diverse, Innes said.

Zoe Belle Gender Centre is holding an afternoon tea on Saturday November 29 to celebrate the progress made so far in supporting the wellbeing of people of all genders.