Spencer Maxwell Foundation says ‘No’ to the gender definition Bill

At the Spencer Maxwell Foundation, our mission is grounded in supporting people experiencing mild to moderate mental distress and championing initiatives that strengthen social cohesion and community connection. Building a healthy, thriving society means ensuring that every individual feels seen, valued, and supported.

Recently, the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill was introduced to the New Zealand Parliament, and we have submitted our strong opposition to this Bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to define "woman" and "man" in rigid, exclusionary terms. While proponents claim this is about protecting rights, the reality is that it erases and invalidates the identities of transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals in Aotearoa.

Research consistently shows that discrimination, lack of societal acceptance, and legal exclusion are major drivers of mental distress among rainbow communities. By embedding these exclusionary definitions into law, this Bill would inevitably worsen mental health outcomes for these already vulnerable groups. It sends a message of rejection - a message that is entirely antithetical to our goal of building a cohesive, supportive society.

The Bill ignores te ao Māori perspectives and fails to recognise takatāpui as taonga, violating te Tiriti o Waitangi. It also risks creating dangerous legal loopholes that could restrict young people's access to critical healthcare services.

True protection for women and our communities does not come from marginalising others. It comes from addressing actual threats to safety and well-being, and from fostering an environment where everyone can live authentically and without fear.

Together, we can stand up for a more inclusive, compassionate Aotearoa.