The Victorian Legislative Council last night passed an amendment to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996 (Vic), making it possible for transgender and gender diverse people to change the legal gender on their birth certificates. After lengthy debate the amendment went through Victoria’s upper house last night, with 26 votes in favour and 14 against. The new laws will require applicants to make a statutory declaration, and submit a statement from an adult who has known the applicant for at least 12 months and give assurance the move is being made in good faith. LGBTIQ+ advocates, trans folk and gender diverse Australians have welcomed the news. Brenda Appleton, Transgender Victoria spokesperson said that the power of the speeches and the outcome “has been amazing and helps heal the damage from the debate 3 years ago.”“Trans rights are human rights and we welcome the passing of this bill. It is important that we can all having documents which reflect who we are and enable us to get on with our lives with pride rather than hiding in the closet” said Appleton.