00:00 Teenagers in the ACT aged 14 and up will now be able to change their gender and
00:05 given name without parental consent. The change, part of amendments to the Births,
00:11 Deaths and Marriages Act, acknowledges that 14 year olds are capable of making
00:16 such decisions. 14 is an age where young people are generally becoming more
00:22 mature and independent and can be assumed to have understanding of the
00:27 consequences of a change of registered sex or given name. The Legislative
00:32 Assembly passed the law after intense debate with the opposition objecting
00:37 primarily to lowering the age from the current limit of 16. It's an assault on children, it's
00:42 also an assault on parents who are rightfully responsible to guide their
00:47 children's development. Advocates emphasize young people who aren't
00:51 supported in their gender identity and expression are more likely to face
00:55 greater risks of mental health issues, self-harm and suicide. Additional new
01:00 laws will also grant donor conceived children access to information about
01:05 their genetic parents through donor registries.
01:10 (upbeat music)
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