A lesbian community group has applied to the Australian Human Rights Commission for an exemption from anti-discrimination laws to hold an event open only to same-sex attracted, biological women.

The proposed “Lesbians Born Female” event in Melbourne to mark this year’s International Lesbian Day looms as a national test case in the clash between women’s rights and transgender inclusion, with the organisers seeking the right to bar men, straight and bisexual women and transgender women from attending.

Lesbian rights campaigner Carole Ann says it is not transphobic for same-sex attracted women to want a space of their own. Credit: Wayne Taylor

In its application to the AHRC, the Lesbian Action Group says exclusively lesbian events have been driven underground by a “repressive and conservative political climate” that leaves women who speak out about lesbian rights exposed to abuse and recriminations.

The group is seeking a five-year exemption from the federal Sex Discrimination Act to hold an event at the Victorian Pride Centre in Melbourne on October 15 and future events which would celebrate lesbian culture and allow “like-minded and like-bodied” women to gather. It says the fear of being labelled as transphobic has eroded lesbian rights.