Email sent to Craig Herbert, editor of The Hobart Mercury – 20 May 2026
Dear Craig,
I am writing regarding The Mercury article published on May 20 written by David Killick concerning Women Speak Tasmania and our campaign relating to Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act.
The article characterised Women Speak Tasmania as “anti-transgender activists” and described our campaign as seeking to “ban transgender women from single-sex spaces.” However, despite specifically naming our organisation and discussing our advocacy, no attempt was made to contact us for comment prior to publication.
I believe this falls short of fair and balanced reporting standards, particularly on an issue involving significant legal, social and political debate.
For clarity, Women Speak Tasmania’s campaign does not seek the removal of gender identity protections from Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act. Our campaign calls for stronger recognition and protection of women’s sex-based rights, including the addition and clarification of “sex” protections so that female-only spaces, services and sports remain lawful and workable in practice.
This position has arisen in response to recent legal developments, including the Full Federal Court decision in Giggle v Tickle, which many women believe has further weakened the practical ability to maintain female-only boundaries based on biological sex.
Women should be able to advocate for sex-based rights and protections without being portrayed as hostile toward transgender people.
I would therefore ask that The Mercury consider publishing the attached opinion piece so your readers can hear directly from the women involved and better understand the actual legal and policy concerns being raised.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Elizabeth Caballero
President, Women Speak Tasmania
OPINION: Women Are Not “Anti-Trans” for Defending Sex-Based Rights