Bill to allow transgender people to change birth certificate without surgery clears first hurdle in Victoria

State minister for equality said the laws would make a 'contribution to saving lives'

A bill to allow transgender and gender diverse people to change the sex listed on their birth certificate without surgery has cleared its first hurdle, passing the Victorian legislative assembly on Thursday.

The equality minister, Martin Foley, said the legislation was an opportunity for trans and gender diverse people to have "their true self reflected" on their birth certificate.