Australian intersex organisations OII Australia and AISSGA, together with the National LGBTI Health Alliance, participated in the country’s federal Senate Inquiry on involuntary or coerced sterilisation. The inquiry primarily focuses on people with disability, but the terms of reference specifically include the sterilisation and sexual health of intersex people as well.

The oral hearing on Thursday 28 March was the only session focussing specifically on intersex issues, and it was attended by Senators Rachel Siewert (chair), Claire Moore (deputy chair) and Sue Boyce.

The testimony of people representing the three organisations extends over 17 pages, and it’s probably the most detailed, and personal, testimony on intersex issues ever laid before the federal Australian parliament.

It’s difficult for us to draw out any specific comments, except to note that there was consensus amongst the organisations representing intersex people in Australia. And this, by the Chair:

CHAIR: Thank you. I’m going to have to wind this up, because we have gone over time. It is really, really valuable evidence. I take the point—no pressure! I think people would be quite shocked when they understand it is still happening.

More information

• OII Australia website
• Sydney, Wednesday 27 March 2013
• Sydney, Thursday 28 March 2013 – with OII Australia, AISSGA and National LGBTI Health Alliance