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Summarised by Centrist
The government has withdrawn national guidelines that supported transgender inclusion in community sport, arguing they undermined fairness and safety for female athletes.
“The state has no place in people’s bedrooms, and biological males have no place in women’s sports,” said senior minister Winston Peters, confirming the decision to abolish the 2022 Sport NZ guidance.
Originally framed around wellbeing and inclusion, the guidelines encouraged gender-neutral language and private facilities, but were non-binding.
Sport NZ chief executive Raelene Castle confirmed that the document had been removed from its website on government instruction. “Sporting organisations will continue to make their own decisions,” she said.
Both the US Olympic Committee and English Football Association have introduced restrictions on trans athletes in women’s divisions. Laurel Hubbard’s Olympic appearance in 2021 sparked international debate after becoming the first openly transgender woman to compete in a female weightlifting category.
Opposition Green MP Benjamin Doyle condemned the decision as a betrayal. “These guidelines were just that; guidelines that could keep our communities safe, and now they’ve been scrapped,” he said. The Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa also expressed “deep disappointment,” warning the rollback could worsen exclusion.
But supporters say the government is restoring basic fairness. Peters called it a necessary correction. “This is purely about ensuring there is safety and security for girls and women in the sports they play at every level.” Yet, other critics say the reforms aren’t going far enough.
