The Australian state is the latest state to consider a ‘gender-free’ option on birth certificates
Western Australian parents could soon have the choice not to assign their newborn a gender on their child’s birth certificate.
John Quigley, the state’s attorney general, is reportedly considering whether Western Australia should adopt a model similar to Tasmania.
Sources high up in Cook’s government revealed to the Sunday Times that neither the Government nor Mr Quigley are ruling out this change.
Tasmanian parents have not been able to assign their child a binary gender since 2019, when the ‘historic’ legislation was passed.
The model was hailed as a ground-breaking move by trans activists, but was criticized by some who claimed it had been ‘rushed’ by Labor and the Greens.
‘Development’ law reforms could allow Western Australian parents to opt out of giving their newborn baby a gender on the birth certificate (stock image)
Mr Quigley could not provide details on the possible changes as the “reforms are evolving”.
He had previously spearheaded a review of the state’s Equal Opportunity Act in August 2022, which would make it easier for Western Australians to legally change gender.
A West Australian who wishes to have their gender changed must currently apply to the Gender Reassignment Board having already undergone a ‘reassignment procedure’ and met other criteria to receive a gender recognition certificate.
The proposed changes would abolish the Council and instead allow someone to change gender with only a certificate from their doctor or psychologist.
“Western Australia has had laws in place since 2000 that provide a mechanism for individuals to change the gender classification on birth certificates,” Quigley said.
‘However, this process requires the involvement of the Gender Reassignment Board.
“The reforms will abolish the board and replace it with a new, streamlined administrative process for sex and gender recognition.”
Nearly two years later, there has been no movement on the overhaul of the Board of Directors.
The reform could be a follow-up to the ‘historic’ Tasmanian decision in 2019, which similarly allowed their child to not be assigned a binary gender (photo, birth certificate)
Tasmanian parents have not been able to assign their child a binary gender since 2019, when ‘historic’ legislation was passed
While eradicating the Gender Reassignment Board would allow for an easier gender transition, the Tasmanian model goes a step further in denouncing gender from birth.
Senior members of Cook’s government said the government is wary of a wholesale reform that will leave a bad taste in voters’ mouths before the 2025 state election.
The sources said the government is more likely to do “piecemeal” rather than a comprehensive overhaul.
Mr Quigley and then Premier Mark McGowan led a ban on gay conversion therapy in the state in December 2022.
The move came after a parliamentary inquiry found that ‘faith healers’ claimed homosexuality was ’caused by demons that had to be removed through exorcisms’.
Accredited health professionals who are regulated by professional bodies and provide ‘lawful and ethical care’, including to people seeking gender affirmation through medical treatment, are not included in the ban.
“While our reforms will ban conversion and oppression practices, the ban will not hinder the ability of health professionals to provide appropriate therapy and counseling to LGBTIQA+ patients without fear of prosecution,” Mr Quigley said at the time.