Queensland to roll out new driver’s licence without gender

The Queensland Government has scrapped a requirement for gender to be shown on all driver’s licences, after complaints from the LGBTI community.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) confirmed that height was also removed as a requirement, after concerns the collection of personal information was potentially discriminatory.

However, the Department said the move towards gender-less licences was due to the need to make driver’s and marine licences compliant with new anti-discrimination laws, according to the Courier Mail.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads said the move was due to advancements in technology, but admitted to some complaints from LGBTI community (pictured: Roads Minister Mark Bailey)

Another reason for change was due to improvements in technology, a spokesman for Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

‘TMR has received complaints and suggestions from members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community about displaying gender/sex (M or F) on TMR cards,’ a department document said. 

Other information, such as eye and hair colour, is also being removed from records attached to licences. 

‘TMR has received feedback that the collection of personal information (eye and hair colour, complexion, height) may be perceived as discriminatory by some members of the community.’ 

Police will still have access to information on gender through databases, and drivers will still be asked to nominate their gender when applying for a licence.

The TMR stopped recording people’s gender and height for all new and renewed licences in October 2016.

The TMR stopped recording people’s gender and height for all new and renewed licences in October 2016