Sex Files: the legal recognition
of sex in documents and government records
In early 2009 the Commission completed a project about the legal recognition of sex in documents and government records.
The sex and gender diversity project developed out of consultations with members of sex and gender diverse communities about the discrimination they experience. One of the key human rights concerns was that many people who are sex and gender diverse are unable to change the sex markers in official documents or government records, for example birth certificates.
The Concluding Paper of this project identifies some problems with the existing systems for recognising sex identity in documents and government records. It also makes recommendations for changing the system and provides options for implementing these changes.
- View the paper
- Media Release: Sex and gender: not always a simple key to identification (17 March 2009)
- Launch speeches (17 March 2009)
Blog closed
The Commission created an online blog to involve the sex and gender diverse community in the development of recommendations regarding the legal recognition of sex. The blog closed on 5 December. However, you can access past posts on the blog here.
Other resources
- Surgery on intersex infants and human rights (July 2009)
- Initial Proposal for reforming the current system of the legal recognition of sex (September 2008)
- Sex and gender diversity terminology
- Criteria for changing sex or gender
- Australian Human Rights Commission consultation on sex and gender diversity (July 2008)
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Equality page
- Yogyakarta Principles
