[Greens-Media] Greens challenge government over transgender
Australians safety
Bolwell, Kristian (Sen K. Nettle)
Kristian.Bolwell at aph.gov.au
Mon Sep 3 11:50:32 EST 2007
Greens challenge government over transgender Australians safety
03.09.07
Greens Senator Kerry Nettle has asked Foreign Minister Alexander Downer
a number of questions about the recent changes to legislation that will
make travel more dangerous for transgender Australians.
Transgender people can no longer apply for a limited validity passport
which displays their intended sex and the only alternative is a Document
of Identity which may see people treated with suspicion and is not
recognised in some countries.
"The government has a responsibility to look after the safety of all
Australians," said Senator Nettle.
"Transgender people who are travelling will now be more vulnerable to
abuse and discrimination.
"Under the United Nations Covenant of Civil and Political Rights
(Freedom of Movement Article 12), a nation should not deny their
citizens a passport and the rights of free and safe passage.
"The changes were introduced without any consultation with the community
and place transgender Australians in danger.
"The government is requiring transgender people to put themselves in
danger.
"The Greens want to know how the Government intends to ensure the safety
of transgender Australians who wish to travel overseas."
"HREOC has outlined 58 areas of discrimination in our law. The
Government should not be creating more. It is the government's
responsibility to protect all Australians," Senator Nettle said.
For more information: Kristian Bolwell 0411638320
NB Questions to the Minister for Foreign Affairs follow
Questions to the Minister for Foreign Affairs follow
1. Since May 2007, transgender people travelling overseas for
gender reassignment surgery have no longer been able to obtain a limited
validity passport reflecting their intended sex. Transgender people
travelling with a passport will now be more vulnerable to abuse and
discrimination. Does the Government recognise that a passport not
reflecting the gender in which a person lives in society leaves that
person open to danger during travel?
2. Since May 2007, the alternative available has been to travel on
a Document of Identity (DOI), which does not include a gender field.
Given the significant limitations of the DOI document, does the
Government acknowledge the more difficult circumstances faced by
transgender people travelling overseas for gender reassignment surgery?
3. Under the United Nations Covenant of Civil and Political Rights
(Freedom of Movement Article 12), a nation should not deny their
citizens a passport and the rights of free and safe passage. How does
the Government intend to ensure the safety of transgender Australians
who wish to travel overseas?
Are You enrolled to Vote? Have a look here: https://oevf.aec.gov.au
Kristian Bolwell
Office of Greens Senator for NSW
Senator Kerry Nettle
T:(02) 96902038
F:(02) 96902041
M:0411638320
www.kerrynettle.org.au
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