The state of Tasmania in Australia passed historic gender laws which will make gender markers optional on birth certificates.

Tasmania’s parliament passed the historic reforms on Wednesday (10 April). The new laws mean parents will now have to request to have their child’s gender included on birth certificates.

#politas pic.twitter.com/7tjsKb2Stb

— Emily Baker (@emlybkr) April 10, 2019

Trans advocates said they felt ‘over the moon’ at the historic win.

‘Parents of transgender and gender diverse kids are just so happy that our kids will no longer face legal discrimination and will be able to live their lives true to themselves,’ said Candace Harrington,spokesperson for Tasmanian Families for Transgender Kids.

‘We are over the moon about these landmark reforms and are deeply grateful to all those politicians who have listened to our stories and supported us along the way.’

Sue Hickey and Cassy O’Connor celebrating with transgender advocates after birth certificate legislation passes #politas pic.twitter.com/IXd4RxD5Kb — Alexandra Humphries (@alliehumphries) April 10, 2019

Gender laws lead the world

Tasmania was long considered to lag behind the rest of Australia and only decriminalized homosexuality in 1997. But advocates said the news laws put Tasmania ahead in regards to gender identity.

Martine Delaney has long advocated for trans rights and heads Transforming Tasmania. She said the new laws are ‘among the most inclusive and equitable in the world’.

‘This is a historic day for transgender and gender diverse people, not only in Tasmania but around the world,’ Delaney said.

‘Today I feel prouder to be a Tasmanian than I have ever felt before.’

The bill passed the Lower House of Tasmania’s parliament after months of debate. Liberal Party speaker, Sue Hickey, stepped in to support the bill which also had the support of the Labor and Greens parties.