Second reading of the Bill

The abstract of the proceedings regarding the second reading of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Bill in Parliament on August 11, 2021, reflects a significant legislative effort to update the current New Zealand register of births, deaths, and marriages. The Bill, previously debated and enhanced by the Governance and Administration Select Committee in 2018, proposes to modernize the registration process, especially in terms of digital access, while still ensuring the protection of personal information against misuse. The amendments presented during this session primarily address the needs and rights of the transgender, non-binary, and intersex communities to self-identify their gender on birth certificates without having to fulfill burdensome medical, financial, or legal requirements previously imposed.

The Bill's intent is to dismantle the barriers that currently necessitate producing medical evidence or a court's affirmation for the transgender and intersex community to have the sex on their birth certificate reflect their lived experience. The prior process has been deemed convoluted and inaccessible, causing undue psychological stress and societal discrimination. A survey suggested that 83% of transgender individuals do not have a birth certificate aligning with their lived gender identity.

The Bill allows individuals to change the sex on their certificates based on self-identification. This aligns with changes already seen in other identity documents, such as driving licenses and passports, and with policies in place in various other countries. The provisions in the draft supplementary order paper specifying processes for different age groups and multiple gender marker changes indicate a recognition of the fluidity of gender identity.

While the Bill garnered some initial support, it was previously deferred due to concerns over inadequate public consultation. The current parliamentary proceedings include the intention to forward a draft supplementary order paper to the Governance and Administration Committee for a full public submission process, inviting community input to shape the Bill effectively. Critics were vocal about the potential negative implications of the self-identification process and legislative gaps that need to be addressed beforehand. There was an acknowledgment of the complexity surrounding gender transition and a commitment to enhance legislation for humanitarian progress and the equity of all New Zealanders, irrespective of gender identity or expression.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Barbara Kuriger David Seymour Deborah Russell Elizabeth Kerekere Glen Bennett Jacqui Dean Jan Tinetti Jenny Salesa Louise Upston Nicola Grigg Rachel Boyack Simon O'Connor Tangi Utikere Tāmati Coffey Willow-Jean Prime

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