Here We Are Again: The Equality Bill Debate
The Equality Bill is once again up for debate in the NSW parliament on August 16, communities call for people to support its passing
In a now recurring segment for many who have followed this story, the Equality Legislation Amendment (LGBTIQA+) Bill 2023 (better known as the NSW Equality Bill) is once again due to be debated in the NSW parliament on August 16. It is the most recent development for the bill which has hung in parliamentary limbo for more than a year, jumping from debate to consultation periods. Its key promises are a result of close consultation with the LGBTQ community and presented by Member for Sydney independent, Alex Greenwich.
It first allows trans people to amend gender markers on their birth certificate without needing costly and hard to access surgery. It then seeks to remove barriers for trans youth accessing gender-affirming healthcare in line with medical professionals’ advice. Additionally, it proposes protection for LGBTQ+ communities from discrimination in the workplace and greater legislative recognition of LGBTQ+ families. The bill would complete the de-criminalisation of sex work providing the field with anti-discrimination and anti-vilification protections. These reforms bring NSW inline with other state jurisdictions.
The Minns Labor government of NSW have not supported the bill in full, instead separately passing a less controversial ban on harmful conversion therapy practices, which were originally contained in the Equality Bill. This lack of support is a result of pressure from right-wing anti-trans rhetoric, and religious groups which believe the rights given in this bill pose a threat to their religious freedoms and give legitimacy to ‘gender ideology’. A particular point of opposition is allowing self-ID of gender markers on birth certificates, a reform that is already implemented in South Australia, ACT and on federal documents without any issues arising. LGBTQ+ organisations have organised to support this bill from the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, ACON and Trans Justice Project (TJP).
These groups have called on the LGBTQ+ community and allies to contact or meet with their state representatives to voice their support. TJP has additionally called for people to join them from the 29th of July to the 2nd of August in a ‘phone jam’ constantly calling the office of Premier Chris Minns to voice support for the bill with a call happening every 10 minutes.
The bill's promises are a ray of hope for the LGBTQ+ community in the continued advancement of LGBTQ+ rights. See our previous piece for a more in-depth look at the details of the equality bill.
