Labor’s Minister for Women Katy Gallagher has defended the decision to block a proposed bill from One Nation that reinstates the traditional definition of “man” and “woman” into the country’s law—saying debate could cause “harm” to young people.
The amendment would have removed the term, “gender identity,” from the Sex Discrimination Act, and revived the old definition of “man” and “woman” based on biological sex.
The rejection marks the second time Hanson has been unable to advance such a proposed legislation.
The first reading is a formality and is normally done to notify the Senate of the existence of a bill. The clerk will read out the title and purpose of the bill, no debate occurs, and senators will vote on whether it proceeds to the second reading stage—it is rare for the Senate to block a bill on the first reading.
“We did take the rare step of not agreeing with the first reading. The reason we took that decision—and we did think about it carefully—was about the debate that would happen in this place if a Bill like that was introduced. This is a vibrant democracy, but when you have Bills that seek to harm people, including young people, we will draw the line,” she told the Senate.
Gallagher further stressed the vulnerability of the gender-diverse community.
[Ed: While I am no fan of Ms Hanson, it is clear that our Minister for Women has failed us miserably. She needs to meet with detransitioners and the many young women being harmed by trans ideology.]
Source: Minister for Women Says Debate on Bill That Defines Gender Too Harmful for Senate | The Epoch Times
“Gallagher further stressed the vulnerability of the gender-diverse community” whilst ignoring the very real harm that is happening to children by the encouragement of gender diversity…let alone the diminution of women’s rights that she is charged to defend.
I wonder if some research could be done to substantiate the harm done by gender identity practices incl. the non-binary etc information flooding schools?