Queensland marriage certificates now have a “non-binary” gender option after the change was rolled out across the country.
On three required forms for marriages – the notice form, the marriage certificate, and no legal impediment form – the existing “X” option was replaced with the option “non-binary”.
Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said the update came into effect on September 1.
It came after a Commonwealth consultation with the Births, Deaths and Marriages registries across the country, she said.
“This change may be simple, but [the forms] ensure our entire community is recognised and accepted through the marriage registration process,” Fentiman said.
“Recognition is so important. These changes will allow more people to be recognised by terms that best describe their lived gender identity.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with the Commonwealth to ensure the process for applying for marriage is streamlined and user-friendly to all.”
She said the marriage forms will be used by all couples and registered celebrants.
Queensland lagging behind on birth certificate reforms
Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman has previously pledged to introduce state legislation to reform birth certificate laws to benefit transgender Queenslanders, after years of lobbying by advocates.
Currently, trans Queenslanders must undergo expensive and invasive gender affirmation surgery before updating gender markers on birth certificates.
Many trans and gender diverse Australians can’t access the surgeries for various financial, medical, faith or personal reasons.
As a result, many must then “out” themselves in various situations requiring their birth certificate.
The discrepancy can also lead to misgendering, which negatively affects trans people’s mental health.
Queensland has sadly lagged behind almost every other Australian state and territory on the issue.
Fentiman confirmed in a statement this week work is underway on reforming Queensland’s Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act.
She said a key stakeholder roundtable is scheduled for October 1.
For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
NSW too needs to upgrade their birth certificate laws as well.