New law in Australia could ban using wrong pronouns for transgender people

A new law in Australia could make it illegal to use the wrong pronouns for transgender people.

The landmark legal reforms in Tasmania could ban the intentionally offensive misgendering of trans or non-binary people.

The bill would also allow parents to choose whether or not their baby’s gender is included on their birth certificate and make it possible for citizens to change their gender on their birth certificate from the age of 16.

It was proposed by the state's opposition Labour Party and the Greens and passed in lower house last month, with Liberal Speaker, Sue Hickey, going against her party and casting the deciding vote in favour.

The reforms will be considered by the upper house in March.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor told parliament: “These changes will make people, who we should all care about, feel happier, safer and more included.”

Twitter banned misgendering and deadnaming in late October, including the rules in their terms of service.

Transforming Tasmania spokesperson Roen Meijers said: “I applaud the Tasmanian lower house for providing greater equity, dignity and hope for transgender, gender diverse and intersex Tasmanians.

“It’s not going to impact anyone in Tasmania who’s not gender diverse, but for those of us who are, it’s going to make our lives so much easier and so much safer.

“When young people want to apply for jobs, and they have to show their birth certificate to show their age, they won’t immediately be outed to everyone they’re working with.”

The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has previously criticised Labour over gender law reforms.