New Zealand passes law allowing change of sex on birth certificates
New Zealand has passed a law that will allow people to change the sex recorded on their birth certificate, the government announced on Thursday.
The new law means New Zealanders will no longer require proof of medical treatment or need to persuade a court to have the sex on their birth certificate match the gender they know themselves to be, Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti said.
“Today is a proud day in Aotearoa’s, New Zealand’s history. Parliament has voted in favour of inclusivity and against discrimination.
“The changes will also support young people to make their own decisions about how they are identified on their birth certificates.
“It gives them agency over their identity, which will promote their mental health and sense of wellbeing,” she said.
According to her, New Zealanders who are born overseas will be ineligible as the changes only apply to the country’s birth certificates at this stage.
She said this would be addressed, starting with further consultation with those affected. “This will only further strengthen the milestone we have achieved today.”
According to her, “The law will come into force in 18 months’ time to give the government time to consult with the rainbow community and to ensure the legislation works to support the people at its heart.”
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Bill banning same-sex marriage in Cross River passes second reading
The Cross River House of Assembly on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to prohibit same-sex marriage and civil unions.
World
Heat Wave: Women oppose Japan’s casual office attire for men campaign, say it’s ‘leg hair harassment’
Four months into the campaign, the new short policy has been generating mixed reactions.
Education
Interviews for candidates begin as UI shops for new vice-chancellor
The successful candidate will succeed the incumbent vice-chancellor, Kayode Adebowale, whose tenure is expected to end on October 31, 2026.
World
Outcry as black British woman who reported rape in Hong Kong bags six-year jail term
The judge noted that Mr X had been “nothing but kind to the defendant,” adding that Ms Rose took advantage of his “kindness, naivety, friendship and romantic interest.”
World
Bus fares in England to be capped at £2 from January, says UK PM
Mr Burnham said the policy is necessary to ease out people’s cost of living and give them a breathing space.
Hot news Home top
N8 Billion Religious Budget: N780 million allocated for church evangelism in my Abia constituency, says deputy speaker
The lawmaker argued that nation-building must go beyond roads and physical infrastructure.
