NSW parliament passed a bill removing the requirement for transgender people to undergo surgery to change their birth certificates, aligning with other states.
However, key amendments to anti-discrimination laws, including protections for LGBTQI teachers and students in private schools, were dropped to secure the bill’s passage.
Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown called the reforms significant, but stressed the need for further updates to outdated anti-discrimination laws.
The bill also criminalises threats to reveal someone’s LGBTQI status, or sex-work history, and provides legal recognition for children from overseas surrogacy arrangements.
Labor awaits a Law Reform Commission review to address the remaining gaps in anti-discrimination protections.