14 October 2024 – Equality Australia has welcomed NSW Premier Chris Minns’ support for the Equality Bill and called on all state MPs to back the reforms through parliament. 

“Throughout its history Sydney has been the cultural capital of the LGBTIQ+ community and yet NSW has some of the most outdated and backwards laws in the country,” said Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown. 

“Premier Chris Minns has recognised that change is needed, and we are calling on the rest of the parliament to get on board and bring NSW into the 21st century.” 

The NSW Equality Legislation Amendment (LGBTIQA+) Bill 2023 will be considered by cabinet on Monday afternoon.

The Bill provides pathways to parentage rights for children born in overseas commercial surrogacy arrangements and domestic violence protections for the LGBTIQA+ community. It modernises some laws around sex work and would introduce crucial reforms to birth certificate legislation.  

NSW is the only place in Australia to require surgery on reproductive organs in order for people to access ID documents that recognise them for who they are.     

“Having a birth certificate that does not align with their gender means that trans people may be forced to out themselves when applying for jobs, registering for school or university, accessing support services or opening a bank account,” Ms Brown said. 

The Bill will no longer offer protections for LGBTQ+ students and staff in private and religious schools after Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich agreed to remove provisions that would have addressed gaps in existing anti-discrimination law. 

“Children are being refused enrolment or are missing out on leadership roles, and teachers are losing their jobs or are denied promotions because religious schools and organisations can legally discriminate against LGBTQ+ people,” Ms Brown said. 

The NSW Law Reform Commission is currently considering this issue as part of a broad review of the state’s Anti-Discrimination Act which is expected to be finalised next year. 

“Vulnerable students and staff are entitled to the same protections from discrimination as everyone else and the government must commit to addressing this in its wholesale review of the Act,” Ms Brown said. 

“Although it’s deeply disappointing some reforms have been removed from the Equality Bill it still contains vital measures that will improve the lives of people across NSW.” 

Media contact: Tara Ravens 0408 898 154,  tara.ravens@equalityaustralia.org.au