Alastair Lawrie
@alastairlawrie.bsky.social
Director, Policy & Advocacy at the Justice and Equity Centre.
LGBTIQ+ advocate and writer: https://alastairlawrie.net
Views own.
He/him.
Living on Dharawal land (Wollongong).
LGBTIQ+ advocate and writer: https://alastairlawrie.net
Views own.
He/him.
Living on Dharawal land (Wollongong).
Pinned
Déjà vu for LGBTQ students and teachers in religious schools
Successive Australian Governments have promised to protect LGBTQ people in religious schools against discrimination, only to break those promises. This includes the Albanese Government, despite the...
www.tandfonline.com
New from me: My article 'Déjà vu for LGBTQ students and teachers in religious schools' has been published in the Australian Journal of Human Rights.
#auslaw 1/
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
#auslaw 1/
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
“They [the ADF] have a very longstanding and aggressive approach to the rights of LGBTIQ people.
“They fight it in the courts in the US, they fight it politically, locally and in communities, and their aggressive anti-gay stance is extremely harmful.”
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
“They fight it in the courts in the US, they fight it politically, locally and in communities, and their aggressive anti-gay stance is extremely harmful.”
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Global group accused of attacking gay rights backs South Australian woman over school presentation
Global arm of Alliance Defending Freedom, which advances ‘a Christian view’ of sexuality, supports proposed legal action over classroom material
www.theguardian.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:09 PM
“They [the ADF] have a very longstanding and aggressive approach to the rights of LGBTIQ people.
“They fight it in the courts in the US, they fight it politically, locally and in communities, and their aggressive anti-gay stance is extremely harmful.”
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
“They fight it in the courts in the US, they fight it politically, locally and in communities, and their aggressive anti-gay stance is extremely harmful.”
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
The text of the Victorian Bill to end involuntary medical interventions, incl surgery, on children born with variations in sex characteristics (the Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025) is now online. #aushealth
www.legislation.vic.gov.au/bills/health...
www.legislation.vic.gov.au/bills/health...
Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025
www.legislation.vic.gov.au
December 3, 2025 at 5:02 AM
The text of the Victorian Bill to end involuntary medical interventions, incl surgery, on children born with variations in sex characteristics (the Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025) is now online. #aushealth
www.legislation.vic.gov.au/bills/health...
www.legislation.vic.gov.au/bills/health...
"The definition of “disability” isn’t the problem. It is already broader and more flexible than many people realise. What’s missing is clear information, education and the political will to make other parts of the DDA more effective." #auslaw
www.abc.net.au/religion/mis...
www.abc.net.au/religion/mis...
Confusion about disability discrimination law is weakening its power to protect people - ABC Religion & Ethics
The Disability Discrimination Act remains one of Australia’s most important human rights laws, but for it to protect people effectively, everyone — whether in the government or in the community — need...
www.abc.net.au
December 2, 2025 at 11:21 PM
"The definition of “disability” isn’t the problem. It is already broader and more flexible than many people realise. What’s missing is clear information, education and the political will to make other parts of the DDA more effective." #auslaw
www.abc.net.au/religion/mis...
www.abc.net.au/religion/mis...
This is an excellent interview, with a great advocate.
www.smh.com.au/national/he-...
www.smh.com.au/national/he-...
‘He was shaking’: The encounter in his local cafe that hit home for Mitch Brown
The former West Coast Eagle – and first openly bisexual player in the AFL/VFL’s history – on the messages he’s received since he came out in August.
www.smh.com.au
December 1, 2025 at 10:54 PM
This is an excellent interview, with a great advocate.
www.smh.com.au/national/he-...
www.smh.com.au/national/he-...
"Victoria will become the first Australian state to ban unnecessary surgeries on intersex children, with legislation to be introduced to parliament to ensure procedures are deferred until patients are old enough to consent to them." #aushealth
Good.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Good.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Victoria could become first Australian state to ban unnecessary surgery on intersex children
Exclusive: Legislation would prohibit deferrable, irreversible procedures until child can give informed consent, bringing state in line with ACT
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:53 PM
"Victoria will become the first Australian state to ban unnecessary surgeries on intersex children, with legislation to be introduced to parliament to ensure procedures are deferred until patients are old enough to consent to them." #aushealth
Good.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Good.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
"Of the 83 cases that could be scrutinised – which related to procedures in Syd & Bris between 2018 & 2023 – nearly half featured cosmetic preferences as part of clinical deliberations, despite the children being too young to express their own wishes." #aushealth 1/2
www.smh.com.au/national/vic...
www.smh.com.au/national/vic...
‘He needs to be a boy’: Unnecessary surgeries being performed on intersex children
As Victoria prepares to ban unnecessary surgeries for intersex children, a new report says some hospitals appear to keep no records justifying surgeries.
www.smh.com.au
December 1, 2025 at 10:50 PM
"Of the 83 cases that could be scrutinised – which related to procedures in Syd & Bris between 2018 & 2023 – nearly half featured cosmetic preferences as part of clinical deliberations, despite the children being too young to express their own wishes." #aushealth 1/2
www.smh.com.au/national/vic...
www.smh.com.au/national/vic...
"By attempting to brainwash gay youth into becoming “normal”, conversion practices promotes Trump’s war on the LGBTQ+ community. That explains why, relying on junk science, a Health & Human Services Dept report issued last spring appeared to support the practice."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
‘Conversion therapy’ is homophobic and dangerous. Yet it threatens to make a comeback | David Kirp
Bans on the dangerous practice, condemned by national mental health organizations, could soon be struck down
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:06 PM
"By attempting to brainwash gay youth into becoming “normal”, conversion practices promotes Trump’s war on the LGBTQ+ community. That explains why, relying on junk science, a Health & Human Services Dept report issued last spring appeared to support the practice."
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
"There is a lot to celebrate in the history of our national model, not least because it is such a powerful example of how a public health catastrophe can be managed & ameliorated when govt policy & funding is informed by community knowledge & expertise" #aushealth
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reciting the names of the dead: how Australia’s response to HIV/Aids was emotionally – and politically – powerful | Leigh Boucher
Researchers now describe it as both historical phenomenon and public health model. Its success was remarkable
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:04 PM
"There is a lot to celebrate in the history of our national model, not least because it is such a powerful example of how a public health catastrophe can be managed & ameliorated when govt policy & funding is informed by community knowledge & expertise" #aushealth
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Alastair Lawrie
The Missing Voice reveals ongoing medical interventions on intersex kids in Australia & the need for laws to protect consent. Read the report 👉 interaction.org.au/resource/the... Sign the petition 👉 equalityaustralia.org.au/take-action/...
“The Missing Voice Report: a thematic analysis and stories of ongoing medical interventions on intersex children in Australia” - InterAction
A new report by Equality Australia in collaboration with InterAction, offering rare insight into the medical interventions currently being performed on intersex children in Australia, and the rational...
interaction.org.au
November 30, 2025 at 11:25 PM
The Missing Voice reveals ongoing medical interventions on intersex kids in Australia & the need for laws to protect consent. Read the report 👉 interaction.org.au/resource/the... Sign the petition 👉 equalityaustralia.org.au/take-action/...
"[U]sing the ABS data, not only have we seen a drop in youth offenders overall, but all states and territories show a significant and sustained drop, including in the lead-up to the introduction of new laws." #auslaw #nswpol
theconversation.com/is-australia...
theconversation.com/is-australia...
Is Australia in a youth crime crisis? Here’s what the numbers say
State governments across the country have brought in harsher laws to deal with youth crime in recent years. But do the stats justify the punitive measures?
theconversation.com
November 30, 2025 at 9:42 PM
"[U]sing the ABS data, not only have we seen a drop in youth offenders overall, but all states and territories show a significant and sustained drop, including in the lead-up to the introduction of new laws." #auslaw #nswpol
theconversation.com/is-australia...
theconversation.com/is-australia...
"The report makes clear that the education sector has an important role in preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and ensuring trauma-informed responses...
But what about when governments’ actions – or lack of action – result in trauma for children?" #auspol
www.croakey.org/law-reform-n...
But what about when governments’ actions – or lack of action – result in trauma for children?" #auspol
www.croakey.org/law-reform-n...
Law reform needed to ensure safety of LGBTQIA+ students and teachers
Introduction by Croakey: Reducing traumatic experiences during childhood is essential for suicide prevention and for contributing to lifelong wellbeing, according
www.croakey.org
November 30, 2025 at 9:35 PM
"The report makes clear that the education sector has an important role in preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and ensuring trauma-informed responses...
But what about when governments’ actions – or lack of action – result in trauma for children?" #auspol
www.croakey.org/law-reform-n...
But what about when governments’ actions – or lack of action – result in trauma for children?" #auspol
www.croakey.org/law-reform-n...
There are no depths to which Mark Latham will not plunge. #nswpol 1/
www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-new...
www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-new...
www.theaustralian.com.au
November 26, 2025 at 10:07 PM
There are no depths to which Mark Latham will not plunge. #nswpol 1/
www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-new...
www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-new...
It is strange the NSW Government's focus seems almost solely concerned with anti-semitism when there is a recent example - March 2023 in Melbourne - of neo-Nazis targeting trans and gender diverse on the steps of their Parliament. #nswpol
qnews.com.au/nsw-to-intro...
qnews.com.au/nsw-to-intro...
NSW to introduce fines & imprisonment following Neo-Nazi rally at Parliament
QNews LGBTIQA+ News
qnews.com.au
November 26, 2025 at 12:55 AM
It is strange the NSW Government's focus seems almost solely concerned with anti-semitism when there is a recent example - March 2023 in Melbourne - of neo-Nazis targeting trans and gender diverse on the steps of their Parliament. #nswpol
qnews.com.au/nsw-to-intro...
qnews.com.au/nsw-to-intro...
This episode reinforces need for NSW Govt to treat all forms of hatred seriously, not just some.
Sadly, they have not released the Sackar review into inciting racial hatred laws passed earlier this year, which should recommend expansion to other hatreds. #auslaw
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Sadly, they have not released the Sackar review into inciting racial hatred laws passed earlier this year, which should recommend expansion to other hatreds. #auslaw
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Man becomes first to be convicted of hate speech against trans people in NSW
Man sentenced to community correction order after pleading guilty to threatening or inciting violence on grounds of gender identity
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:51 AM
This episode reinforces need for NSW Govt to treat all forms of hatred seriously, not just some.
Sadly, they have not released the Sackar review into inciting racial hatred laws passed earlier this year, which should recommend expansion to other hatreds. #auslaw
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Sadly, they have not released the Sackar review into inciting racial hatred laws passed earlier this year, which should recommend expansion to other hatreds. #auslaw
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
While inclusion of sexuality & gender identity questions in 2026 (for people aged 16+) is welcome, let's not forget PM Albanese broke his promise by:
-excluding trans & gender diverse kids (contrary to ABS advice) &
-excluding intersex people entirely.
#aushealth
www.outinperth.com/abs-confirms...
-excluding trans & gender diverse kids (contrary to ABS advice) &
-excluding intersex people entirely.
#aushealth
www.outinperth.com/abs-confirms...
ABS confirms gender, sexuality questions in 2026 Census
The new questions will provide vital data for understanding Australia’s LGBTQ+ populations.
www.outinperth.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:49 AM
While inclusion of sexuality & gender identity questions in 2026 (for people aged 16+) is welcome, let's not forget PM Albanese broke his promise by:
-excluding trans & gender diverse kids (contrary to ABS advice) &
-excluding intersex people entirely.
#aushealth
www.outinperth.com/abs-confirms...
-excluding trans & gender diverse kids (contrary to ABS advice) &
-excluding intersex people entirely.
#aushealth
www.outinperth.com/abs-confirms...
Of all the genuine issues affecting our community, Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson keeps trying to invent one, in her war against the trans community. #auspol #transphobia
www.outinperth.com/liberal-sena...
www.outinperth.com/liberal-sena...
Liberal senator Sarah Henderson says it's time for a "very big fight" on trans ideology
Sarah Henderson says changing the Sex Discrimination Act to remove protections for transgender people will be a priority for the opposition.
www.outinperth.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Of all the genuine issues affecting our community, Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson keeps trying to invent one, in her war against the trans community. #auspol #transphobia
www.outinperth.com/liberal-sena...
www.outinperth.com/liberal-sena...
"The marking of Trans Day of Remembrance on 20th November then offers a chance for trans communities and allies to gather and mourn the trans people we’ve lost to hate violence in the year prior."
qnews.com.au/trans-awaren...
qnews.com.au/trans-awaren...
Trans Awareness Week, what it means to me
QNews LGBTIQA+ News
qnews.com.au
November 18, 2025 at 9:33 PM
"The marking of Trans Day of Remembrance on 20th November then offers a chance for trans communities and allies to gather and mourn the trans people we’ve lost to hate violence in the year prior."
qnews.com.au/trans-awaren...
qnews.com.au/trans-awaren...
"The Justice and Equity Centre argued the laws would result in more children in prison." #auslaw #nswpol
www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
When is a child responsible for a crime? Not everyone likes the answer
Legal groups and politicians are at odds over a legal principle which has long been key in keeping kids out of prison.
www.smh.com.au
November 18, 2025 at 9:27 PM
"The Justice and Equity Centre argued the laws would result in more children in prison." #auslaw #nswpol
www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
"LGBTQIA+ and religious young people are erased in this legislative environment, because it assumes that religious and LGBTQIA+ communities do not overlap. Our research shows this isn’t the case." #auslaw #auspol 1/3
theconversation.com/school-exemp...
theconversation.com/school-exemp...
School exemptions to discrimination law leave religious LGBTQIA+ teens unprotected
Federal laws allow religious schools to discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people. New research shows religious and sexuality diverse teens fall through the cracks.
theconversation.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:52 PM
"LGBTQIA+ and religious young people are erased in this legislative environment, because it assumes that religious and LGBTQIA+ communities do not overlap. Our research shows this isn’t the case." #auslaw #auspol 1/3
theconversation.com/school-exemp...
theconversation.com/school-exemp...
"This isn’t feminism. It’s opportunism. It’s anti-trans politics dressed up as concern for our wellbeing." #auslaw 1/2
womensagenda.com.au/latest/stop-...
womensagenda.com.au/latest/stop-...
Stop using women in prison as weapons in your war on trans women
Women in prison are being used as weapons in a broader campaign of transphobia. It is grotesque political theatre.
womensagenda.com.au
November 17, 2025 at 9:49 PM
"This isn’t feminism. It’s opportunism. It’s anti-trans politics dressed up as concern for our wellbeing." #auslaw 1/2
womensagenda.com.au/latest/stop-...
womensagenda.com.au/latest/stop-...
"The predictable response is to tell LGBTQ people to be more careful. While safety advice matters, “be careful” is not a policy. The inquiry told us that hate will adapt if we let culture and society do the policing for us."
www.smh.com.au/national/gay...
www.smh.com.au/national/gay...
Gay-hate crimes 2025-style: teenagers lure victims on dating sites
This is a pattern, not a scare story. Today’s attackers do not wait in known beats or coastal parks; they exploit trust and weaponise the phones in our hands.
www.smh.com.au
November 16, 2025 at 10:20 PM
"The predictable response is to tell LGBTQ people to be more careful. While safety advice matters, “be careful” is not a policy. The inquiry told us that hate will adapt if we let culture and society do the policing for us."
www.smh.com.au/national/gay...
www.smh.com.au/national/gay...
Queer kids are coming out earlier, which is a positive sign.
Except if they are in religious schools in NSW, WA and SA - because the laws of those states, and the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act, *still* don't protect them against discrimination. #auspol #auslaw
www.smh.com.au/national/vic...
Except if they are in religious schools in NSW, WA and SA - because the laws of those states, and the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act, *still* don't protect them against discrimination. #auspol #auslaw
www.smh.com.au/national/vic...
Gen Z are ‘resisting cultural norms’ and coming out as queer earlier, but there’s a catch
Gen Zers often realise their sexual identity earlier and quicker, a study has found, which had positive, but also risky, implications.
www.smh.com.au
November 16, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Queer kids are coming out earlier, which is a positive sign.
Except if they are in religious schools in NSW, WA and SA - because the laws of those states, and the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act, *still* don't protect them against discrimination. #auspol #auslaw
www.smh.com.au/national/vic...
Except if they are in religious schools in NSW, WA and SA - because the laws of those states, and the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act, *still* don't protect them against discrimination. #auspol #auslaw
www.smh.com.au/national/vic...
The Australian deliberately misleading its audience on trans issues? Who could have possible guessed... #transphobia
qnews.com.au/tasmania-rej...
qnews.com.au/tasmania-rej...
Tasmania rejects The Australian’s misleading claims on trans prison policy
QNews LGBTIQA+ News
qnews.com.au
November 16, 2025 at 9:55 PM
The Australian deliberately misleading its audience on trans issues? Who could have possible guessed... #transphobia
qnews.com.au/tasmania-rej...
qnews.com.au/tasmania-rej...