News about the lawfare against gender critical voices and developments affecting open discussion about sex, gender identity, and public policy in Australia.
- Tasmania rejects push to change discrimination laws targeting transgender peoplePremier Jeremy Rockliff has rejected calls to ban transgender women from single-sex spaces after activists lobbied MPs to sign a pledge changing Tasmania’s discrimination laws. Tasmania will not be changing its discrimination laws despite lobbying from anti-transgender activists, Premier Jeremy… Read more: Tasmania rejects push to change discrimination laws targeting transgender people
- United Nations demands answers over suspension of Queensland gender clinic whistleblowerOpinion by Des Houghton The United Nations has demanded Queensland’s Premier explain child safety measures at a hospital gender clinic after a psychiatrist’s controversial suspension, writes Des Houghton. It is time for the Queensland Government to admit that the sacking… Read more: United Nations demands answers over suspension of Queensland gender clinic whistleblower
- Peak medical regulator ‘compromised’ by partnership with trans lobby groupAustralia’s peak medical regulator faces claims it has been hopelessly compromised in a string of controversial decisions because it is a signed-up member of Australia’s most powerful trans lobby group, ACON, which promotes gender-affirming medical treatment for children and teenagers.… Read more: Peak medical regulator ‘compromised’ by partnership with trans lobby group
- ABC cuts ties with trans lobby group ACON after bias exposedThe ABC has severed ties with ACON following The Australian’s explosive revelations that the group influenced its news coverage and programming for years. The ABC has abandoned its partnership with ACON following revelations by The Australian that the broadcaster’s news… Read more: ABC cuts ties with trans lobby group ACON after bias exposed
- ABC won platinum for trans activism, failed on transparencySecret submissions reveal how the ABC let a trans lobby group influence its programming, but the broadcaster won’t release key documents – because it might stop it ‘attracting the best talent’. Newly released documents show how the ABC won platinum… Read more: ABC won platinum for trans activism, failed on transparency
- Women Speak Tasmania claims discrimination over canned library forumA decision to cancel a Women Speak Tasmania event at the Burnie Library has escalated into a bitter clash involving claims of political discrimination and the role of public libraries in hosting controversial views. The group is known for its… Read more: Women Speak Tasmania claims discrimination over canned library forum
- How the ABC’s pursuit of platinum status with ACON put its integrity on the lineThe ABC has achieved platinum status from trans rights lobby group ACON, but critics say the national broadcaster has compromised its editorial independence by paying for ideological approval. This year the ABC celebrated a sweet victory. After years of dogged… Read more: How the ABC’s pursuit of platinum status with ACON put its integrity on the line
- Inside ACON: The lobby group driving Australia’s trans rights revolutionA little-known former AIDS council is working to re-shape the way Australians think about sex and gender, sparking fierce backlash from the gay and lesbian communities it once served. The power of Australia’s most successful trans lobby group was on… Read more: Inside ACON: The lobby group driving Australia’s trans rights revolution
- Women’s group banned from Tasmanian libraries for ‘hate speech’A prominent women’s rights group has been permanently banned from public libraries in Tasmania after its forums opposing radical trans ideology were deemed to be in breach of Libraries Tasmania’s diversity and inclusion policies. Attempts by Women Speak Tasmania to… Read more: Women’s group banned from Tasmanian libraries for ‘hate speech’
- Secrecy rules as children taught ‘gender ideology’Children are being taught “gender identity ideology’ in Tasmanian primary schools without the knowledge or consent of parents, with one mother revealing her daughter – who had undertaken the sex education program over a period of six years – now… Read more: Secrecy rules as children taught ‘gender ideology’
- Are the Gender Whisperers in Tas Schools?Women Speak Tasmania are challenging both Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Education Minister Jo Palmer to come clean on whether they approve of government-funded materials teaching contested notions of ‘gender’ in the state’s schools and apparently being withheld from Tasmanian parents.… Read more: Are the Gender Whisperers in Tas Schools?
- On Charlie Kirk“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing. The most important thing is my faith.” – Charlie Kirk Perhaps it seems a little strange for an Australian Anglican Minister to want… Read more: On Charlie Kirk
- Conservative teachers demand an end to gender ideology in schoolsConservative teachers have taken a definitive stance on the transgender issue: they’re demanding an end to what they believe to be child abuse. New research has revealed that 91 per cent of educators believe transgender ideology should not be taught in schools.… Read more: Conservative teachers demand an end to gender ideology in schools
- Controversial Liberal candidate Julie Sladden should be dismissed, Labor saysA Liberal candidate for the seat of Bass should have her party membership revoked, according to a Labor MLC A controversial Liberal candidate has been accused of previously campaigning against her own party, which Labor claims should be grounds for… Read more: Controversial Liberal candidate Julie Sladden should be dismissed, Labor says
- I changed my mind on trans rights – and lost multiple friendsAs a human rights lawyer, I never questioned the trans movement. But, after a lightbulb moment, I publicly changed my position I am a human rights lawyer and professor at King’s College London. Until 2018, I supported all the demands… Read more: I changed my mind on trans rights – and lost multiple friends
- Controversial group sets sight on another venue in quest to hold forumWomen Speak Tasmania (WST) has set its sights on the Devonport RSL to hold a forum previously cancelled at two other locations on the Coast. The rescheduled forum garnered strong comments from prominent LGBTQIA+ rights activist Rodney Croome. “Women’s Speak Tasmania… Read more: Controversial group sets sight on another venue in quest to hold forum
- ‘Thugs veto’: Controversial group claims it was shafted over NW eventsA controversial group dubbed anti-trans by many has come out swinging over what they call the cancellation of public forums at two North-West venues. However, one venue operator denied the group’s claim for cancellation, while the other said its booking… Read more: ‘Thugs veto’: Controversial group claims it was shafted over NW events
- Barnett meets with group seeking end to optional sex on certificates lawAttorney-General Guy Barnett has met with a feminist group that is calling for the repeal of the state’s sex self-ID legislation. Parliament passed the amendment to the Sex Discrimination Act in 2019, making the listing of babies’ gender optional on… Read more: Barnett meets with group seeking end to optional sex on certificates law
- Tasmania will this coming week face its free speech litmus testFree speech is a keystone right – all other rights flow from it, from freedom of association, religion, and even the right to a fair trial. It has played a vital part in our Tasmanian democracy these past hundred years.… Read more: Tasmania will this coming week face its free speech litmus test
- ‘Worst attack on free speech’ as library cancels gender medicine forumA feminist group opposed to trans ideology is claiming censorship after the Burnie Library cancelled a forum organised for Thursday to discuss the use of puberty blockers in Tasmania. Women Speak Tasmania (WST) spokesperson Isla MacGregor said the forum was… Read more: ‘Worst attack on free speech’ as library cancels gender medicine forum
- Tasmanian Labor pledges to extend hate laws to transphobia and homophobiaTasmanian Labor has vowed to extend race hate laws to also cover crimes motivated by transphobia, homophobia and potentially sexism. The move would allow judges and magistrates to impose a tougher sentence on offenders motivated by such hatreds, and has… Read more: Tasmanian Labor pledges to extend hate laws to transphobia and homophobia
- Hobart transgender rights rally: Police investigating whether ‘physical contact’ was madePolice are looking into claims of physical contact between protesters during demonstrations outside Parliament House on Tuesday. LATEST Police are looking into claims of physical contact between protesters during demonstrations outside Parliament House on Tuesday. Hundreds of pro-transgender rights supporters… Read more: Hobart transgender rights rally: Police investigating whether ‘physical contact’ was made
- Tasmania’s The Examiner newspaper parts ways with editor in wake of fake trans incident letterThe editor at the centre of a faked account of a man entering female change rooms at a public pool being printed in a major Tasmanian newspaper has parted ways with the publication. Mark Westfield has told the ABC he is… Read more: Tasmania’s The Examiner newspaper parts ways with editor in wake of fake trans incident letter
- Tasmanian Attorney-General appointed members for TASCAT outside panel’s recommendationsTasmania’s Attorney-General Elise Archer says she chose members for a tribunal over candidates recommended by its selection panel because she wanted to preserve the tribunal’s independence from politics. The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) is a specialist tribunal which… Read more: Tasmanian Attorney-General appointed members for TASCAT outside panel’s recommendations
- No penises, please: Lesbian who wants to ban trans women and men from her public parties comes under fire – but she fires back: ‘It’s humiliating being told to include someone with a d**k’A lesbian who wants to ban anyone with ‘penises’ from attending her drag events has vowed to take her fight against the anti-discrimination watchdog to the High Court. Jess Hoyle wants to hold lesbian-only drag nights in her Tasmanian hometown… Read more: No penises, please: Lesbian who wants to ban trans women and men from her public parties comes under fire – but she fires back: ‘It’s humiliating being told to include someone with a d**k’
- Women Speak Tasmania transgender forum angers: Charles Wooley opinionI DECIPHERED a new acronym this week. TERF; trans-exclusionary radical feminist. Stay with me. Yes, I know many of you find this stuff irritating because it only seems to footer in the sidelines of history when the main game right… Read more: Women Speak Tasmania transgender forum angers: Charles Wooley opinion
- Women Speak Tasmania forum to go ahead despite public backlashA GROUP that likens transgenderism to a “cult” and a “social contagion” is holding a public forum at Hobart Town Hall. Women Speak Tasmania plans to hold its event on November 27 despite public backlash, with 18 people writing letters… Read more: Women Speak Tasmania forum to go ahead despite public backlash
- One-sex lesbian events ‘unlawful’Lesbians will be breaking the law if they exclude biological males who are transgender from social events, after a controversial discrimination ruling set to become a national test case. Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sarah Bolt has ruled lesbian events that exclude… Read more: One-sex lesbian events ‘unlawful’
- Discrimination complaint over transgender, female changerooms remarks against senator droppedA discrimination complaint against Tasmanian Senator Claire Chandler over her comments on female change rooms and transgender women has been dropped. A discrimination complaint against Tasmanian Senator Claire Chandler over her comments on female change rooms and transgender women has… Read more: Discrimination complaint over transgender, female changerooms remarks against senator dropped
- Women’s group raises questions about councillor’s apologyA women’s rights group is continuing to put political pressure on a Hobart City councillor, questioning the sincerity of a recent apology to other elected members. At a council meeting on February 11, Councillor Holly Ewin gave a public apology… Read more: Women’s group raises questions about councillor’s apology
- Andrew Wilkie Office Ban Spurs Transgender RowIndependent MP Andrew Wilkie has banned a women’s group from office facilities made available to community organisations because of its “exclusionary” views on transgender issues. The federal member for Clark allows community groups to use his taxpayer-funded photocopying facilities in… Read more: Andrew Wilkie Office Ban Spurs Transgender Row
- New power balance: rethink of transgender law ‘highly likely’A bid to amend or repeal Tasmania’s controversial transgender laws is “highly likely” following a shift in the balance of power in the state’s lower house. The nation-first changes passed in April by Labor and the Greens, with support from… Read more: New power balance: rethink of transgender law ‘highly likely’
- MP whose ex-wife is now a man bans women’s group from using an office because it holds ‘trans-exclusionary’ viewsA feminist group has been banned from using free office facilities normally available to community organisations because Independent MP Andrew Wilkie said it holds ‘trans-exlusionary’ views. Andrew Wilkie has banned Women Speak Tasmania from using taxpayer-funded photocopying facilities in Hobart.… Read more: MP whose ex-wife is now a man bans women’s group from using an office because it holds ‘trans-exclusionary’ views
- Women’s War of WordsA CODE of conduct complaint is expected to be filed against a new Hobart City councillor over posts on social media. Women’s rights group Women Speak Tasmania say they will lodge a complaint against Cr Holly Ewin with Hobart City… Read more: Women’s War of Words
- State Government wants time to consider ‘dog’s breakfast’ Tasmania gender lawHISTORIC changes to transgender laws have been passed by the Tasmanian parliament after Liberal Speaker Sue Hickey repeatedly crossed the floor to support Labor and the Greens. The laws mean the recording of a child’s gender on their birth certificate… Read more: State Government wants time to consider ‘dog’s breakfast’ Tasmania gender law
- Anger at Hobart City Council Inquiry into ‘Anti-Transgender Material’Hobart City Council has been accused of stifling free speech after launching an investigation into alleged “anti-transgender material” distributed by a feminist group at the city’s famous Salamanca Market. The group, Women Speak Tasmania, yesterday told The Australian the investigation,… Read more: Anger at Hobart City Council Inquiry into ‘Anti-Transgender Material’
- Attack on Freedom of SpeechTwo feminists have accused a former anti-discrimination commissioner of trying to stop them from speaking at a human rights forum because of their opposition to transgender reforms. Bronwyn Williams and Isla MacGregor were invited by the Tasmanian branch of the… Read more: Attack on Freedom of Speech
- Greens Label Anti-Transgender Stickers HatefulThe debate over gender markers on birth certificates has ramped up with anti-transgender stickers described as “hateful and hurtful” appearing throughout Hobart. The stickers are shaped like penises and carry the phrase “Women don’t have penises” Transforming Tasmania spokeswoman Martine… Read more: Greens Label Anti-Transgender Stickers Hateful
- Anti-Discrimination Boss to Face Bias Claim over Sex Change PlanTasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Robin Banks, will find herself on the other side of a sex discrimination claim, before the Australian Human Rights Commission. Ms Banks has outraged some feminists by recommending changes to state law to allow men who identify as women,… Read more: Anti-Discrimination Boss to Face Bias Claim over Sex Change Plan
- Women, Men who Identify as Women, Feminists and Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination CommissionerDo you know anyone who is either male or female? I mean, unambiguously male or female? You know – of the male sex, or the female sex? I’m not talking about people with personality traits that are wholly ‘masculine’ or… Read more: Women, Men who Identify as Women, Feminists and Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner
- Tasmania Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Robin Banks Bullied MeA leading feminist has made official complaints of bullying and sex discrimination against Tasmania’s female Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Robin Banks, who dismisses the claims. Tessa Anne, an activist with the radical feminist Women’s Liberation Front (WOLF), has lodged complaints with the state’s… Read more: Tasmania Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Robin Banks Bullied Me
- Feminists decry sex change proposals on men who identify as womenRobin Banks, Equal Opportunity Commissioner for Tasmania, has recommended to the state government that it change the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act. A feminist group is taking on Tasmania’s anti-discrimination commissioner, accusing her of undermining women’s rights by advocating… Read more: Feminists decry sex change proposals on men who identify as women