A proposed law in the New South Wales Parliament would ban recognition of trans and gender diverse young people from school communities and sack teachers who give them support.

It would also allow a parent to withdraw a child from any discussion of LGBTIQ+ issues in school, and staff would be prohibited from simply telling them they are okay.

The proposed law is now being seriously considered by a Committee of the New South Wales Parliamentary in Sydney.

The law would exacerbate the isolation, exclusion, discrimination and bullying experienced by LGBTIQ+ young people, particularly trans and gender diverse young people.

It would increase family conflict, homelessness and demand on mental health services.

It would reverse the gains already made in fostering more inclusive school communities and make it extremely difficult for transgender and gender diverse children to receive an education, let alone the education that all children deserve and have a right to in Australia.

It echoes the UK's former Clause 28 and laws against LGBTIQ+ "propaganda" in places like Russia.

It has no place in the city that is home to Mardi Gras and the host of World Pride 2023.

It is part of a growing backlash to LGBTIQ+ equality in Australia that includes proposed laws rolling back discrimination protections in the name of "religious freedom".

This is despite the overwhelming majority of Australians voting for marriage equality in 2017.

The New South Wales Parliament must completely reject the proposed legislation, affirm the right of transgender and gender diverse students to a full, equal and inclusive education, and protect the dignity and equality of all LGBTIQ+ young people.

This petition is a partnership of The Gender Centre Inc and just.equal