National Leader, Christopher Luxon, has dismissed New Zealand First’s proposed policy concerning transgender individuals and public facilities, adding that the issue is not a prominent concern for the upcoming election and that the country’s priorities lie elsewhere.
Yesterday, Winston Peters, Leader of New Zealand First, unveiled his party’s plan to enact legislation for new public institutions with public toilets to establish distinct unisex and gender-specific bathrooms. Furthermore, they intend to revise the existing rules prohibiting individuals from accessing public restrooms intended for the opposite gender.
Peters also voiced his desire for a law denying public funding to sports organisations that don’t maintain exclusive categories for biological females, where deemed appropriate. He emphasised that this debate revolves around achieving a balance of inclusivity and equity for all, and it is not aimed at opposing any group or idea.
However, the Leader of the National Party, Luxon, hit back and countered that New Zealand’s primary focus for the elections should be on economic management and reducing living costs, adding that the bathroom debate is secondary and might only be of prime importance to Peters, before stressing that New Zealanders are more concerned about pressing issues like mortgage refinancing, rising crime rates, and improvements in healthcare and education.
Luxon also acknowledged the presence of many unisex bathrooms and reiterated that it was a non-issue.
In response to Luxon’s comments, Peters claimed he was advocating for the safety of women and young girls and insisted that his stance is not against transgender individuals but rather for the security of women and girls, ad added that New Zealand First was the most grounded party in this electoral campaign.
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori, also criticised New Zealand First’s policy, saying it marginalises and disrespects takatāpui and transgender communities. She emphasised the importance of self-authenticity and highlighted the non-binary nature of the Māori language.
Green co-leader, Marama Davidson, described the policy as detrimental and degrading to transgender individuals. She declared that transgender people are treasures and that her party will always support them against such hateful narratives. Davidson labelled New Zealand First’s policy as “cheap and nasty” and emphasised the need for respect and solidarity for the trans and rainbow communities.
