The ACT government has released the first draft of its proposed legislation that seeks to prevent harmful medical interventions on intersex people without their consent.<\/p>\n
Intersex advocates welcomed the Australian-first law as a “historic moment” for the community.<\/p>\n
“As an odd kid that grew up in Canberra with unexplained surgical scars and a few too many doctor\u2019s visits, it\u2019s difficult to find the words that capture all the things I feel on a day like today,” Cody Smith, senior project officer, Intersex Human Rights Australia (IHRA), \u00a0said in a statement.<\/p>\n
<\/span>“The first thing that comes to mind is a promise I made to myself that the next child born like me would have better opportunities. A chance to make decisions for themselves and not live with the burden of shame or secrecy. To finally realise this promise brings an overwhelming sense of relief,” said Smith.<\/p>\nIntersex Advocates Have Sought Legal Reforms For Over Two Decades<\/h3>\n