NZ First Party Proposes Legislation to Clarify Definition of ‘Woman’ in Legislation
Despite being in government, the party had to introduce a Private Member’s Bill, indicating that it may not have full support from its coalition partners.
The conservative NZ First party introduced a Private Members Bill to define the legal meaning of “woman.”
Private Members Bills are non-government legislation that are debated only if randomly selected from a ballot. By taking this route, even with four of its eight MPs in Cabinet, the party hints at possible lack of backing from its coalition partners, National and ACT.
During the lead-up to the 2023 election, when NZ First revealed this policy, National leader (now Prime Minister) Christopher Luxon expressed that this issue was not a top concern for most people.
The proposal in the bill suggests that “woman” in all legislation, current or future, should mean “an adult human biological female,” while “man” should mean “an adult human biological male.”
This development follows Britain’s Supreme Court ruling that under UK law, only biological women, and not transgender individuals, align with the definition of a woman.
Since each MP is allowed only one bill at a time, the bill’s sponsor—NZ First MP Jenny Marcroft—had to agree to withdraw another bill, which aimed to mandate referendums on fluoridation by councils.
The party also removed its “Fair Access to Bathrooms Bill” from consideration, which would have penalized the use of a public bathroom not aligned with one’s designated sex and required separate bathrooms in all non-residential, publicly accessible new buildings.
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Biological Facts
NZ First leader Winston Peters stated that the new bill aims to protect sex-based rights and principles.
He later clarified to reporters that the proposal does not intend to be discriminatory, but rather emphasizes the importance of biological truths.
Peters highlighted the need to address issues such as unfair competition in sports and access to changing rooms, stressing the majority of New Zealanders’ desire for equitable treatment of women.
If approved, the bill would override existing laws in New Zealand that allow self-identification and changes on birth certificates.
He claimed that the law introduced by former NZ First MP Tracey Martin was sneaked in during a Parliament lockdown without their knowledge.
Meanwhile, National leader Luxon, currently in London for discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, expressed that the National caucus will consider the bill if selected.
He also reiterated his view that “pregnant people are women” and called for a common-sense approach to the language used in such matters.
