NZAF welcomes Crown Law transgender decision

August 23, 2006

NZAF welcomes Crown Law transgender decision

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation is welcoming a Crown Law opinion stating that transgender people are covered under the Human Rights Act.

“As one of the strong advocates for the Human Rights Act back in 1993, it has always been NZAF’s position that transgender people were protected by its anti-discrimination provisions,” says NZAF Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier. “We’re pleased to see that has been confirmed by the Crown Law Office.”

NZAF does not believe protecting transgender people from discrimination to be a controversial idea, and is also welcoming a Human Rights Commission inquiry into the types of discrimination that transgender people still face in New Zealand. These include difficulties accessing health services, attempting to have their gender legally recognised, as well as harassment, intimidation and violence.

“This legal opinion will give some certainty to the transgender community that their concerns will be listened to by authorities,” Le Mesurier says. “Our Human Rights Act allows for freedom from discrimination regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. We believe most New Zealanders will think it fair that transgender people have been included as part of this.”

ENDS

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