The Definitions of Woman and Man Amendment Bill is currently before parliament.
The bill seeks to provide legal definitions for the terms woman and man based on biological sex.
Supporters argue that clear definitions will improve legal certainty, consistency, and the application of sex-based rights and protections.
Opponents argue that the bill may affect how gender identity is recognised in law.
The select committee is currently inviting public submissions.
We understand many people wish to provide feedback, but may be unsure where to start. We have prepared the below template to assist you. You may also like to refer to the VFF submissions attached here. Providing even very brief feedback is worthwhile.
The strongest submissions are written in your own words and explain why this issue matters to you, your family, your work, your community, or your experience as a New Zealander.
The deadline for submissions is 2 July 2026, 11.59pm
You can make a submission by:
Online: https://www3.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/54SCSSC_SCF_9E8E8A14-A51C-4567-AB33-08DE9053A7D1/legislation-definitions-of-woman-and-man-amendment-bill
Email: ssc.legislation@parliament.govt.nz
Subject line: Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill
Post: Committee Secretariat, Social Services and Community Committee, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, Private Bag 18041. Wellington 6160.
Please include your name and contact details.
If completing online there are two text boxes which ask:
- I/We wish to make the following comments
- I/We wish to make the following recommendations
Suggested feedback template
Use one or more of the following points in your submission.
You do not need to include everything.
Ideally include at least one paragraph written in your own words.
I support the Definitions of Woman and Man Amendment Bill for the following reasons:
Legal certainty
Laws should be clear and consistent.
If Parliament continues to use terms such as woman, man, female, and male throughout legislation, those terms should have clear legal definitions.
Without clear definitions, courts, government agencies, schools, sporting organisations, employers, and service providers may interpret these terms differently.
Clear definitions help ensure laws are applied consistently and as parliament intended.
Women's rights and protections
Many laws, policies, and services distinguish between the sexes.
Examples include women’s health services, maternity provisions, women’s sport, changing facilities, correctional facilities, and safeguarding policies.
It is important that biological sex remains clearly recognised in law where rights, protections, privacy, dignity, safety, or fairness depend upon it.
Privacy, dignity and safety
Many women and girls have concerns about privacy, dignity, and safety in situations where biological sex may be relevant.
Clear definitions help decision-makers understand when sex-based provisions apply and how they should be administered consistently.
Parliament should provide clarity rather than leave these questions to ongoing disputes and litigation.
Women’s sport
Biological differences between males and females can affect fairness in sport.
I support maintaining clear sex-based sporting categories and believe legal clarity regarding biological sex assists sporting organisations when making policies and decisions.
Healthcare and data
Accurate health information relies on accurate sex-based data.
Biological sex can be relevant to medical research, health outcomes, screening programmes, reproductive health, and public health statistics.
Clear definitions support the collection of accurate health information and evidence-based policy.
The rule of law
One of the purposes of legislation is to provide certainty.
The law should be capable of being understood and applied consistently.
Where legal rights and obligations depend upon sex-based classifications, parliament should clearly define those classifications.
Public confidence
Many New Zealanders are confused about how the terms woman and man are currently interpreted in law.
Clear definitions would help improve transparency, consistency, and public confidence.
Parliament should provide clarity rather than leave fundamental legal terms open to competing interpretations.
My personal perspective
[Insert your own thoughts here.]
Examples include:
- why this issue matters to you;
- concerns as a parent or grandparent;
- experiences in healthcare, education, sport, or the workplace;
- concerns about legal uncertainty;
- concerns about privacy, fairness, dignity, or safety;
- professional experience relevant to the issue.
Conclusion
I support the Definitions of Woman and Man Amendment Bill.
I believe clear legal definitions will improve consistency, legal certainty, transparency, and public confidence in New Zealand law.
Thank you for considering my submission.
This article was originally published by RCR Media.
