Dear Attorney-General,
I am writing to express my concern about the recent decision to prevent Women Speak Tasmania from holding a meeting in a Tasmanian public library.
This group represents women peacefully advocating for the protection and restoration of sex-based rights. Many Australian women are deeply concerned that gender self-identification laws have eroded important rights relating to privacy, safety, and fairness. Open discussion of these issues is a legitimate and necessary part of public life.
It is worrying that such advocacy has been mischaracterised as “hateful” or “anti-trans.” Peaceful expression about the impact of legislation on women’s rights is not discrimination — it is an exercise of democratic freedom.
Under the Tasmanian Anti‑Discrimination Act 1998, all Tasmanians are entitled to equal access to public facilities, unless their conduct breaches the law. In addition, Australia’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Articles 19, 21, 22) affirm the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Restricting lawful groups from meeting in public spaces undermines these principles.
I hope that your office will review this decision and ensure that Tasmanian public venues remain open to all community groups, regardless of viewpoint. Protecting open debate and women’s right to meet peacefully is essential for a fair and inclusive society.
Thank you for your consideration. I would appreciate your response outlining any steps the Department of Justice may take to uphold these fundamental rights.
Yours sincerely,
Elizabeth Gillanders