Our submission on the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill
RWNZ has submitted in opposition to the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill. We don't believe this Bill will improve the rights, opportunities, or wellbeing of women and girls in New Zealand, and think this time and resource could be far better spent on issues that genuinely improve women's lives.
RWNZ advocates for all rural women, rural children and rural families. Rural communities have adults and children who are intersex, gay or trans people, and they don't always have access to the same support or resources as those in towns and cities.
We want to see a future where all rural communities are thriving, safe, and welcoming of all sexualities and gender identities.
We know our members hold a range of views on this issue, and this position reflects the Board's judgement of what genuinely serves rural women's wellbeing.
Read our submission to understand why this Bill won't improve the safety and wellbeing of women, how it creates issues with existing legislation, and why we believe it will increase discrimination and worsen the wellbeing of trans people in rural New Zealand.