GENDER IDENTITY AMENDMENT IN MENTAL HEALTH BILL PASSED
By Michael Magnusson
An important amendment was passed by the Victorian lower house as it debated the Mental Health Bill (2014) this week stating that refusal or failure to express a particular gender identity does not constitute mental illness.
The existing 1986 act list in the examples of what does not constitute mental illness in the 1986 Mental Health: “that the person expresses or refuses or fails to express a particular sexual preference or sexual orientation”.
Liberal MP for Prahran, Clem Newton-Brown introduced an amendment to that section for ‘gender identity’ to be added so the clause reads: “that the person expresses or refuses or fails to express a particular sexual preference, gender identity or sexual orientation”
“The trans community is relatively small but it is important that legislation takes into account their particular circumstances,” Newton-Brown told gaynewsnetwork in a statement.
“I have responded to concerns from the community and ensured that it is crystal clear in Victoria that no one can be deemed to have a mental illness by virtue of their gender identity.”
Transgender Victoria Executive Director Sally Goldner told gaynewsnetwork they look forward to total Parliamentary support on this amendment.
“This gives extra protection on top of equal opportunity law,” Goldner said.
An important amendment was passed by the Victorian lower house as it debated the Mental Health Bill (2014) this week stating that refusal or failure to express a particular gender identity does not constitute mental illness.
The existing 1986 act list in the examples of what does not constitute mental illness in the 1986 Mental Health: “that the person expresses or refuses or fails to express a particular sexual preference or sexual orientation”.
Liberal MP for Prahran, Clem Newton-Brown introduced an amendment to that section for ‘gender identity’ to be added so the clause reads: “that the person expresses or refuses or fails to express a particular sexual preference, gender identity or sexual orientation”
“The trans community is relatively small but it is important that legislation takes into account their particular circumstances,” Newton-Brown told gaynewsnetwork in a statement.
“I have responded to concerns from the community and ensured that it is crystal clear in Victoria that no one can be deemed to have a mental illness by virtue of their gender identity.”
Transgender Victoria Executive Director Sally Goldner told gaynewsnetwork they look forward to total Parliamentary support on this amendment.
“This gives extra protection on top of equal opportunity law,” Goldner said.
