22/05/2026
YoubeYou – Aotearoa: Our Statement on NZ First’s Proposed What is a Woman Definition Bill.
YoubeYou is deeply concerned by New Zealand First’s bill seeking to legally define a “woman” solely as “an adult human biological female” and a “man” as “an adult human biological male”.
Modern psychologists, sociologists, and health organisations recognise gender as a spectrum — a rich, multidimensional human experience, not a rigid binary. We stand with our transgender community and understand the value in all in our communities.
This proposal is not about clarity. It is a dangerous populist distraction, now supported by National and ACT, that risks fuelling division and giving licence to those who marginalise minority communities. History has shown us that when politicians manufacture an “enemy”, they mask the real issues facing a society.
Human beings are extraordinary in all our diversity — age, gender identity, gender expression, orientation, ethnicity, culture, physical or cognitive ability, and economic background. We are stronger when we celebrate difference, not fear it.
Attempts to legislate people out of existence do not unite us. They fracture us — and too often, that fracture is the point.
We must stand together. We must speak out. We must protect a future where every person can be proud of who they are.
If this legislation passes, YoubeYou – Aotearoa urges the next government, in whatever form, to repeal it immediately.
New Zealand Labour Party New Zealand First New Zealand National Party Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand
New Zealand First is pushing for the term "woman" to be defined in law as "an adult human biological female" as the party vows to fight "cancerous social engineering" and "woke ideology".
