Govt refusal to prioritise trans and non-binary protections disgraceful – NZCTU

The Out@Work Council of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is deeply disappointed by the Government’s decision to not prioritise the Law Commission’s recommendations to explicitly protect transgender, non-binary, and intersex New Zealanders under the Human Rights Act 1993.

“The Government’s refusal to prioritise explicit human rights protections for trans and non-binary whānau is disgraceful,” said Out@Work Convenor Lester Briggs.

“Tens of thousands of New Zealanders, including more than 26,000 transgender adults and over 20,000 non-binary and gender diverse people, are left vulnerable because the law remains unclear.

“Once again, this Government has chosen a pathway that disproportionately impacts already-marginalised communities, compromising their safety, wellbeing, and dignity.

“The Law Commission made clear that current protections are legally ambiguous, untested in courts, and insufficient for safeguarding people against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and access to services.

“We are calling on the Government to reinstate the Law Commission’s recommendations, enshrine explicit protections for gender identity and sex characteristics in the Human Rights Act, and sit down and talk with rainbow communities to understand the lived impacts of ongoing legislative neglect,” said Briggs.

“The NZCTU stands firmly with our trans and non-binary whānau. We urge the Government to reconsider its decision and commit to upholding the human rights of all workers in Aotearoa,” said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.