New Zealand’s self-identification law makes it simpler to modify the information on birth certificates. This law removes the requirement that applicants provide proof of having been subject to sex-reassignment processes.
The country’s parliament on Thursday voted unanimously to pass the legislation, titled the ‘Births, Deaths, Marriages and Relationship Registration Bill’. When it becomes effective, the law will enable transgender, intersex and gender diverse people (a Maori term for LGBT) to identify their sex.
Even though self-identification of sex was made possible on birth certificates in 2018, applicants had to show that they had had sex-reassignment or any other treatment to alter their sex identity.
“Today is a proud day in Aotearoa’s history,” Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti said, referring to New Zealand’s Maori name. “Parliament has voted in favour of inclusivity and against discrimination.”
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It is important to note that any law changes would “make a real difference” for the country’s gender minorities, Tinetti added that it will especially support young people and give them “agency over their identity, which will promote their mental health and sense of wellbeing.”
Other details and terms will need to be finalized over the next 18 months. This includes questions such as who can support young people’s applications, how do you ensure that sex marks on birth certificates reflect non-binary or cultural options, what are the requirements for those who want to have their sex changed more than once, and
The legislation had proved controversial with women’s groups opposing self-sex identification on the grounds that it erodes women’s rights and protections. Nicola Grigg, the women’s spokesperson for the opposition National Party, told MPs that while her party supported the law, it was important to consider the “full range of views”Debating “complex policy and ideas.”
Tinetti, however, resisted opposition to the bill. It is worth noting “trans misogyny is still misogyny,”“She said.” “real people… have been belittled, mocked and discriminated against”For those who are in need “to be accepted for who they are and be treated with dignity and respect.”
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