Balance New Zealand believes that every New Zealander deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of sex, gender identity, or personal belief. At the same time, the law must provide clear definitions where biological sex is relevant, particularly in areas such as sport, privacy, and public facilities.
This policy seeks to establish a balanced framework that protects individual rights while ensuring fairness, clarity, and consistency in legislation and public policy.
Balance New Zealand supports a society where people are treated with dignity and respect, and where the law provides clear guidance in situations where biological sex and gender identity intersect.
Balance New Zealand’s approach to sex and gender legislation is guided by several core principles.
First, discrimination against any individual based on sex or gender identity should not be tolerated in New Zealand. All people deserve equal treatment and protection under the law.
Second, where biological sex is directly relevant—such as in certain sporting competitions or privacy-sensitive facilities—clear legal definitions must exist so that policies can be applied consistently and fairly.
Third, individuals should have the freedom to express their identity and beliefs without fear of discrimination or harassment.
Finally, public policy should recognise that different people have different privacy needs, and facilities should reflect this reality.
Balance New Zealand believes that legislation should clearly define biological sex while respecting the right of individuals to identify as they choose.
For laws where biological sex is relevant:
At the same time, Balance New Zealand recognises that individuals may identify with a gender that differs from their biological sex. People will remain free to identify in accordance with their personal beliefs and identity without fear of discrimination.
This approach seeks to balance legal clarity with respect for personal identity.
Balance New Zealand recognises that certain public spaces require a high degree of privacy, particularly changing rooms, bathrooms, and similar facilities.
To address privacy concerns while ensuring inclusion, Balance New Zealand will introduce legislation requiring the provision of a third, private facility option in public venues where toilets or changing rooms are provided.
This additional facility will be a unisex or private-use space, designed to provide a comfortable option for individuals who do not wish to use male or female facilities.
This policy ensures that individuals have access to facilities that meet their privacy needs while maintaining clarity for existing male and female spaces.
Balance New Zealand recognises that sport is an area where biological differences can affect fairness and safety in competition.
For this reason, Balance New Zealand will support policies that align with recognised international sporting bodies when determining eligibility for participation in gender-based sporting categories.
National sporting organisations will be encouraged to follow the guidance and regulations established by international federations to ensure that participation rules are fair, consistent, and aligned with global sporting standards.
Balance New Zealand supports strengthening legal protections against discrimination.
The party will review the Human Rights Act 1993 to ensure that discrimination based on gender or gender identity is clearly recognised as unlawful.
Currently, the Act addresses discrimination based on sexual orientation. Balance New Zealand believes the law should be updated to ensure that individuals are also protected from discrimination based on gender identity.
Updating the legislation will help ensure that the Human Rights framework reflects modern social realities while maintaining fairness for all New Zealanders.
Balance New Zealand believes that a fair society must protect both individual rights and clear legal standards.
By providing clear definitions in law, ensuring appropriate privacy options in public facilities, maintaining fairness in sport, and strengthening protections against discrimination, New Zealand can support a society that is both inclusive and respectful of differing perspectives.
This balanced approach aims to protect the rights and dignity of all New Zealanders while ensuring that laws remain clear, fair, and practical.
