1. Diverse Women? Marginalised Women? Or unhappy men?
And why does it matter?

2. Disclaimer
Feminist Legal Clinic Inc. condemns the use of threats and violence against any person.
We strongly oppose the expression of hatred, contempt or ridicule of a person because they are transgender .
We support non-conformity with gender stereotypes and common courtesy to all individuals.
We advocate compliance with the law and have not suggested that ERA exclude any individual or group, but are simply fighting to retain our own membership.
This presentation is provided in good faith for purposes in the public interest, including discussion and debate about current changes to law and policy in relation to recognition of gender identity and their impact on women’s services, spaces and opportunities.

3. Current state of the Law
Laws vary in each State currently, but all enable the alteration of sex on birth certificates already. Limited community awareness of the issue.
In some States, such as NSW, sex reassignment surgery must first have taken place. Limits the numbers of individuals who legally change sex.
Moves locally and globally to enable alteration of sex on basis of self- identification only. Already possible in SA, ACT and Tasmania.
There are laws against discrimination and viification on the basis of transgender identity in every State. Silencing impact on debate.
The changes matter for services, spaces and opportunities previously reserved for women which can no longer exclude any male bodied individuals who say they are women.

4. Loss of Safe Spaces for Women & Girls
Public toilets and bathrooms, including in schools.
Changerooms at gyms, pools etc
Hospital wards
Women’s Refuges
Women’s Health & Counselling Services
Courthouse Safe Rooms
Women’s Libraries & Women’s Rooms at Universities
Women’s Prisons & Detention Centres

5. Lost Opportunities Women’s Scholarships & Awards
Women’s Sporting competition
Women & Girls Clubs eg: Girl Guides
Affirmative action /quotas in leadership roles
Feminist political action shut down.

6. Erasure of Lesbian Community
Eroding Freedom of Association and Assembly
The “cotton ceiling” and sexual harassment of lesbians
Safety concerns resulting in closure of groups.
Threats and abuse. Women unprotected by vilification laws.
“Tom boys” are being encouraged to transition.

7. Transitioning of Children
Despite assurances given puberty blockers are not reversible.
Hormone treatment has irreversible damaging impacts on the body.
Children are being rendered sterile by treatment.
Sex reassignment involves mutilation of healthy bodies.
Genital surgery interferes with ability for sexual pleasure.
Many individuals regret transition and suicidal tendencies continue but research on this is being actively prevented.
Vested interest by medico-pharmaceutical industry which contributes funds to advance trans activism.

8. A Men’s Rights Movement?
Liberates males from oppressive masculinity
Provides access to opportunities and reduced competition.
Allows perpetrators of violence to reinvent themselves.
Claims about vulnerability of transwomen are exaggerated. Some research indicates they are more likely to murder than be murdered.
Skews crime statistics and community perceptions. Eg: Eve Amati
Undermines feminism
Ignores cost to women’s safety and well being.

9. Evidence Decide for Yourself videos on You Tube
This Never Happens(Australia)
They say this never happens
Gender IdentityWatch(US)
Woman means something (Canada)