IHRA editorials, policy statements and submissions.
IHRA welcomes aspects of the Justice and Related Legislation (Marriage Amendments) Bill 2018, that has been passed by the Tasmanian Parliament. In particular, insertion of the attribute of “sex characteristics” in law is very welcome. However, we note that anti-discrimination protections on grounds of sex characteristics only apply to persons with intersex variations of sex…
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In May 2018, Dr Michael Noble passed away. IHRA lost one of our longstanding members, and Australia lost one of our first wave of intersex activists. We remember him and his works.
Intersex people suffer exclusion and stigmatisation in sport. On a day-to-date level, the most significant issue is body shaming. However, intersex women face uncertainty, exclusion without evidence, and public humilation.
People born with variations of sex characteristics experience stigmatisation, discrimination, bullying, body shaming and other forms of harm because of our sex characteristics, and also because of assumptions about our identities.
Many intersex traits are genetic, with an identified origin. The elimination of such traits from the gene pool is an established and growing phenomenon.
We all have a right to bodily integrity, to not be subjected to invasive or irreversible medical procedures that modify sex characteristics, unless necessary to avoid serious, urgent and irreparable harm.
Intersex people have diverse sex classifications and gender identities. This page presents background information and guidance on how to respect the diversity of intersex lived experience.
IHRA has made a submission to the Australian Law Reform Commission regarding its discussion paper on reform of the family law system, with a focus on reform of the welfare jurisdiction to ensure that children with intersex variations and persons with disabilities are protected from harmful practices.
IHRA has made a submission to the Senate inquiry on legislative exemptions that allow faith-based educational institutions to discriminate against students, teachers and staff.
IHRA has made a submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, kindly endorsed by the AIS Support Group Australia, Disabled People’s Organisations of Australia, National LGBTI Health Alliance, and People with Disability Australia. As a member of the Australian Child Rights Taskforce, IHRA also participated in the development and submission of a joint shadow report.
On the 22nd anniversary of a demonstration by ‘Hermaphrodites with Attitude’ and allies outside a paediatrics conference, from which intersex advocates had been excluded, we mark the day with flag raising, parliamentary meetings, bridge lighting and a call to end forced medical interventions on intersex people.
On Intersex Awareness Day, a consortium of intersex-led and allied organisations will proudly announce the recipient of the first annual Darlington intersex ally award, the Darling. It will be presented to an organisation, institution or individual that demonstrates a commitment to action on intersex human rights beyond affirming the Darlington Statement.