Nation-leading reform to make gender optional on birth certificates in Tasmania has been hailed by transgender activists but the state's Liberal government insists the laws are problematic.
The bill, backed by Labor the Greens and rogue Speaker Sue Hickey who crossed the floor, passed parliament on Wednesday afternoon despite the opposition of the state government.
The laws remove the requirement for transgender people to have sexual reassignment surgery in order to have a new gender recognised.
Those aged 16 years or older can apply to change their registered gender without parental approval.
Transgender activists say the reforms are life-changing.
"Young transgender and gender diverse Tasmanians will grow up in a different world from the one we have known because the law will respect and protect who they are," Transforming Tasmania spokesperson Roen Meijers said:
"I hope our achievement inspires the rest of the nation to move quickly towards the reforms that are so overdue."
The state government has always said the changes to the Marriage Amendment Bill were rushed, poorly consulted and will have unintended consequences.
"It is highly likely the parliament will need to fix up problems with the legislation and repeal the Labor-Green amendments at a later date," Premier Will Hodgman said in a statement.
The Australian Christian Lobby wants the reforms repealed, having previously said the removal of gender from birth certificates was ignoring biological truths.
