Labour MP Pushing Controversial “Bathroom Bill”
Family First says that a Labour MP is trying to introduce a highly controversial piece of legislation through Parliament
in a way that avoids the public debate and focus that it deserves.
“The controversial proposal by Labour MP Louisa Wall to include ‘gender identity’ as a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Human Rights
Act is unnecessary, and has been dubbed the “bathroom bill” in overseas jurisdictions because of experiences where it
gives the opportunity for men who pretend to be transgender a legal alibi to use women’s bathrooms, showers, and
changing rooms at public facilities,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
“Among the implications of these proposals is that sex-specific facilities, including gyms like Contours and swimming pools who have dedicated times for females only, plus the use of men’s and women’s public toilets and changing rooms, could
no longer be limited on the basis of a person’s actual biological sex.”
“But the expectation of parents and families is to see people of the same gender in places like public toilets and
changing rooms.”
“Of most concern is that the Labour MP is doing it under the shadow of the Statutes Amendment Bill (No 4) which has just had its first reading in Parliament, but is a bill which deals with ‘technical, short, and
non-controversial amendments to a range of Acts’. This proposed amendment is anything but non-controversial,” says Mr
McCoskrie.
The previous Labour government distanced itself in 2006 from similar legislation introduced as a private members bill by
Labour MP Georgina Beyer, and it was subsequently withdrawn after a legal opinion stated the bill was unnecessary.
“The introduction of this latest proposal is especially ironic given the recent accusation of Labour implementing a ‘man
ban’.”
“In view of the confusion experienced overseas by such legislation, it is not surprising that the United Nations has
repeatedly rejected the terms ‘sexual identity’ and ‘sexual expression’ as a protected right partly because of confusion
around its definition. Those with gender dissatisfaction must have the same rights as all New Zealanders, but should not
be given special rights which place others at risk.”
Family First will be writing to the Member in charge of the bill, Hon Chester Borrows, and also the Chairperson of the
Government Administration Committee requesting that any submissions on the issue be rejected and deemed as out of the
jurisdiction of this bill.
“Any highly contentious issue like this should be exposed to full and open public debate as a separate bill, and not
snuck through Parliament via the back door.”
ENDS