30/05/2026
As many of you have heard, the government has proposed a new Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill.
We (Out@AUT) condemn this. Like the Treaty Principles Bill before it, this bill solely exists to push conservative talking points without regard to the harm it will cause or the fact that it is a solution in search of a problem that will achieve nothing of value.
So far, the Definitions of Woman and Man bill has been proposed and passed its first reading (out of three required for a bill to become law). It is currently being examined by a select committee. Crucially, this committee accepts submissions from the public, meaning you can urge Parliament to reject it!
You do not need to be a legal expert to make an effective submission, and even something short can have a real impact by demonstrating public opposition. But if you want to write something longer, you can draw on the serious negative consequences such as exclusion, discrimination and lack of legal recognition this will have on trans, q***r and intersex people, along with the need for stronger protection.
To make this easier, there will be a submissions workshop in WQ460 (Te Poro Āniwaniwa/the Rainbow Room) on Tuesday June 9, currently thinking 2pm, so you can make submissions with company and receive help with yours. We'll also be working with AUTSA to write an open letter to the government from AUT's Rainbow community, which will be discussed at the workshop.
Submissions for this bill close at midnight on July 2, so make sure to get your voice heard!
There are a couple other noteworthy bills accepting submissions right now also: one that would allow the police to issue anti-homeless "move-on orders" (submissions close July 2), and one that could make disability support a lot less accessible (submissions close June 12).
If all this is stressing you out, please do not hesitate to contact Elim and Nica (AUT's Rainbow team) for support. It's what they're here for.
A link to some information resources and guides to write a submission is in our bio.
