LGB Alliance NZ Submission on the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill

01 July 2026

LGB Alliance NZ has submitted to the Social Services and Community Committee on the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill.

We support the intent of the Bill but recommend it be strengthened with a clear sex-first structure.

Our submission starts from the Human Rights Act 1993, which protects sex and separately recognises sexual orientation, which means a heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian, and bisexual orientation.

Clear sex definitions are needed so sex-based rights, privacy, dignity, safety, sport, services, data and freedom of expression work properly for everyone, especially women and girls.

For lesbians, gay men and bisexual people, they are also essential to protect sexual orientation, association and the ability to maintain same-sex boundaries. Same-sex boundaries and association are not unlawful discrimination. They are the ordinary expression of sexual orientation, dignity and freedom of association.

If sex is unclear, sexual orientation is unclear. If sex is replaced by gender identity, homosexuality is redefined.

Click on the image to the right or above, or click here to view our submission.