Steph Hodgins-May (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

We voted down this bill on the first reading because we knew it was hateful and transphobic. This is done extremely rarely, but we have a duty of care to the trans community. Senator Hanson's was not a genuine attempt to legislate; it was a thinly veiled attempt to attack our trans community. And would we do it again? Yes, we would. Why? It is because we know that antitrans rhetoric causes lasting harm to trans and gender-diverse people by stoking the flames of transphobia and hate.

Trans and gender-diverse communities are strong and resilient, but we know that they face disproportionate levels of harassment, abuse and even violence because of views like these. Our LGBTIQA+ communities should be supported and cared for, not used as a political football by people, like Senator Hanson, who would prefer to deny their very existence.

I saw my speech last week was shared on social media and brought out thousands and thousands of people's vitriol and attacks. But do you know what? It strengthens my resolve and the resolve of the Greens to get up in this place and represent the views of the diverse, rich trans community, who are sick of this disgusting rhetoric, this disgusting level of debate, as is the broader Australian community. It's a disgraceful act of political disgust—it's just disgusting.

All people have fundamental human rights and are entitled to equal protection under the law without any discrimination, including on the basis of sex, sexual or romantic orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics. To all the trans kids and young people out there, I want you to know that I and the Greens have your back. We will go in to bat for you at any chance we have. You deserve to be celebrated. You deserve to be safe and to be yourself. You deserve all good things in the world because you are magnificent.

We must do more to call out transphobia. We need to work together to actively dismantle it because trans rights are non-negotiable. I said it last week, and I'll say it again: they are non-negotiable. We must work towards a safer world for the trans and gender-diverse community. They must feel safe, respected and valued, living their lives treated as equals and free from discrimination. The Greens will always stand in solidarity with the trans community against hatred and bigotry and against Senator Hanson's awful attacks.