Human Rights Commission
22 August 2006
Human Rights Commission welcomes transgender announcement
The Human Rights Commission today welcomed the release of a Crown Law opinion clarifying the position of transgender
people under the Human Rights Act.
Commissioner Joy Liddicoat responded to the announcement by the Attorney-General, saying "All New Zealanders have the
right to be treated with dignity and respect. We are delighted that Crown Law agrees that the protection of the Human
Rights Act applies equally to transgender people."
The Crown Law opinion accords with the approach taken by the Commission since February last year and is in line with
United Kingdom, European and Canadian case law that transgender people are covered by human rights law regardless of
whether or not they have had sex reassignment surgery.
"Our own research in 2004 and 2005, based on consultation with over 5,000 New Zealanders including transgender people
and their families, showed that transgender people face discrimination. There were real and serious concerns about the
human rights status of transgender people."
As a result the Commission recommended in the New Zealand Action Plan for Human Rights that an inquiry be held into the
discrimination experienced by transgender people.
"The release of the opinion is helpful and timely as we have recently begun an Inquiry into the human rights of
transgender people," said Commissioner Liddicoat.
The Commission's Inquiry is looking at:
* personal experiences of discrimination
* difficulties accessing health services
* the barriers that transgender people face when trying to have their gender legally recognised.
Commissioner Liddicoat said today that complaints to the Commission deal with issues that many people take for granted
such as being able to walk down the street without fear, get a job, or go out for a drink with friends without being
hassled.
"This Inquiry will make a significant contribution to eliminating stereotypes and reducing discrimination against
transgender people."
The Commission is asking transgender people to contact them about their experiences of discrimination. The Inquiry will
come up with strategies to reduce discrimination so that the human rights of transgender people are better protected.
ENDS