LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) applauds the Victorian Government’s decision to introduce legislation that will protect children with innate variations of sex characteristics from medical interventions that can be safely delayed until they are old enough to make decisions for themselves. Victoria follows the ACT’s lead in becoming the second jurisdiction to introduce legislative reforms that support children to receive care that respects their autonomy, dignity and long-term wellbeing.

“Today’s multipartisan passing of this legislation is an important moment for human rights in Australia,” said Nicky Bath, CEO of LHA. “Children with innate variations of sex characteristics deserve care that prioritises their health, their future choices, and their right to grow up without unnecessary and irreversible interventions. This legislation recognises these principles and reflects years of advocacy from people with innate variations of sex characteristics, their families and community-controlled organisations.” 

This reform is strongly supported by evidence from InterAction for Health and Human Rights and Equality Australia. Their joint work on The Missing Voice reveals that children with innate variations of sex characteristics are still exposed to medical interventions that could safely be delayed. Adults who speak today about the harm of early interventions are often dismissed as having experienced “obsolete” care, yet InterAction’s Dr Morgan Carpenter presented FOI data that shows that concerning practices continue in support of this legislation.  

LHA acknowledges and celebrates the leadership of InterAction, whose community-led expertise has shaped the reform framework. Their resources, including technical analyses, personal stories and guidance for clinicians and families, offer essential tools for supporting ethical, rights-affirming care. These materials are available at www.interaction.org.au and www.equalityaustralia.org.au. 

LHA urges all jurisdictions to follow the ACT and Victoria’s lead and commit to legislative reform that upholds the rights and wellbeing of people with innate variations of sex characteristics. National consistency is necessary to ensure that no child’s access to protection depends on where they live. 

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