The Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) urges all state and territory governments to follow the lead of the ACT and introduce intersex rights legislation.

During Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference, Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced the ACT Government will introduce a historic bill to protect intersex people against unnecessary and permanent ‘normalising’ medical procedures until they are able to consent.

“This is nothing less than a historic and life-saving bill. If passed into law, it will be an Australian-first and pave way for further critical legislation and policy protecting the human rights of intersex people,” said Dineli Kalansuriya, Chair of AMSA Queer.

“Every state across Australia should view this ACT bill as a far overdue necessity that defends the autonomy, identity and fundamental rights of all intersex people and children, and act immediately to follow suit in their own jurisdictions,” added Ms Kalansuriya.

“The western medical system continues to be an unsafe, prejudiced and inequitable system for intersex people. This bill is a necessary and vital step toward protecting a community that has for too long been silenced and mistreated by a system that should have protected them,” said Tish Sivagnanan, President of AMSA.

AMSA acknowledges the tireless efforts of the intersex community in advocating for their rights. We echo Intersex Human Rights Australia (IHRA) who say the impact of this bill is “immediate and profound” and that it is “a milestone in the advancement of intersex human rights”.

AMSA stands alongside the intersex community in the fight for the right to safe, equitable and affirming health. We call upon the Australian state governments to:

• Outlaw non-consensual, non-therapeutic interventions on people with intersex variations;
• Ensure all decisions and legislation is strongly consultative and representative of the intersex community and their needs. ‘Nothing about us, without us.’
• Adhere to the state obligations and recommendations outlined under Principle 32 of the Yogyakarta Principles plus 10 (2017).

AMSA is the peak representative body for Australia’s 18,000 medical students. AMSA Queer represents LGBTQIASB+ medical students across Australia and advocates for health equity for all people through affirming, supporting and celebrating diverse sexualities and gender presentations.