Victoria Passes Landmark Reforms Protecting Intersex Children

Today marks a historic milestone in the Victorian Parliament. New legislation has been passed with multipartisan support to prohibit unnecessary medical interventions on children born with variations in sex characteristics. This reform ensures that the next generation will grow up with the bodily autonomy and respect they deserve.

For many intersex individuals, childhood was a time of confusion and medical trauma. Tony Briffa, a prominent advocate, shared how their early years were divided between a loving home and hours spent in hospitals undergoing surgeries without consent. These laws ensure that such irreversible procedures will no longer be forced upon children in Victoria.

“This reform affirms that intersex people are whole, complete, and entitled to respect, autonomy, and protection.”

This victory is the result of decades of tireless work by advocates and the brave individuals who shared their stories in the Missing Voice report. While we celebrate this progress in Victoria and the ACT, the mission continues to ensure every state and territory in Australia follows suit.

Take Action: Support Intersex Human Rights Today

We envision a future where every intersex child has a say over what happens to their own body, and where families receive the compassionate support they need to celebrate their children exactly as they are.

From the desk of Tony Briffa, Patron of Equality Australia