Women Speak Tasmania has officially launched our campaign to restore clear, sex-based protections for women and girls in Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act 1998.
Currently, the Act protects “gender” and “gender identity” — but does not include a clear, standalone protection for biological sex (male and female). This creates legal uncertainty and risks undermining the spaces, services, and opportunities designed specifically for women and girls.
Taking Action
In December 2025, we made a formal submission to Tasmania Attorney General Guy Barnett calling for biological sex to be added as a protected attribute. We followed this with a detailed letter outlining why this reform is urgently needed.
We are now taking this campaign directly to decision-makers — visiting MPs’ offices and standing publicly with supporters across Tasmania.
Tasmanian women are showing up and speaking out.
Growing Support
Our petition has already gathered over 800 signatures — and continues to grow.
The petition calls for a simple but critical reform:
“We are calling on the Tasmanian Government to add ‘sex’ (biological male and female) as a protected attribute in the Anti-Discrimination Act.
This is not about removing anyone’s rights. It’s about making the law clear, consistent, and fair for everyone.”
Meeting with Carlo Di Falco
On 8 April, we met with Carlo Di Falco (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party) to present testimonies from Tasmanian women and girls.
These firsthand accounts highlight the real-world impacts of current policies and the erosion of sex-based boundaries — particularly in areas such as single-sex spaces, sport, and services.
We also discussed concerns regarding the Northern Community Hub, where changes framed as “inclusion” are raising serious questions about privacy, dignity, and safety for women and girls.
The meeting was constructive and productive. We welcome Mr Di Falco’s willingness to listen and engage with these concerns.
Why This Matters
Even the Australian Human Rights Commission has acknowledged the distinction between sex and gender in its March 2026 report, stating:
“Gender is distinct from biological sex. Sex is defined by chromosomes, hormones and reproductive anatomy.”
Clarity in law matters — especially when it comes to protecting women and girls.
What’s Next
This is just the beginning.
We will keep showing up.
We will keep speaking out.
We will keep building pressure — until the law is fixed.
Sex is a material reality. Women and girls deserve clear, enforceable protections in law.
We will not stop until Tasmania gets this right.