Family First Uses Privacy as a Front For Prejudice

15 March 2016

“We support InsideOUT’s response to Family First’s harmful and false messages about trans young people,” says Rawa Karetai [todays job title]. “Family First are employing the same tactics of misinformation that are used by U.S. conservative Christian groups. Sadly in the U.S., the bathroom has become the latest front in the so-called ‘culture wars’. Is this fight something we really want to see brought to New Zealand with our most vulnerable youth the casualties?”

“This year the Rainbow movement is celebrating 30 years of homosexual law reform, the landmark achievement for the fight for human rights in this country. Back then, the opposition was also lead by conservative Christian groups, many of them with ties to the U.S. But back then ordinary kiwis saw right through their fear-mongering and we hope that ordinary kiwis will do so again.

“As InsideOUT has pointed out – we’re talking about a group of vulnerable young people who just want to be able to go to the toilet without being harassed. Many trans students experience bullying and violence and forcing them to use a toilet that does not correspond to their gender identity increases the risk of harm.

“Trans students must have access to safe bathrooms and private changing rooms, which in many cases is as simple as providing a gender neutral option. Many schools are implementing this without any fuss.

“Let’s keep the American style of politics out of New Zealand and let’s get on with the task of making schools safe for everybody.”

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