The Rainbow NZ Parliamentary Network has condemned a report released by Family First on transgender issues. Read: Family First goes on anti-trans witch hunt The rainbow network was launched on Pink Shirt Day, when MPs from across the house wore pink shirts “The report deserves to be sent back to the 1950s where it seems the author is stuck,” says Green Party rainbow issues spokesperson Jan Logie “Schools, parents, and leaders need to know that the views contained within this so called report marginalise transgender and intersex students. This marginalisation causes very real harm and a disproportionately high suicide rate," she says. “The Human Rights Commission and medical professionals have long recognised gender identity as non-binary; this is no-longer up for debate. “The report is full of misinformation, very basic mistakes about definitions and narrow moral judgements masquerading as facts.” Labour Party MP Louisa Wall adds the Network’s concern is for the health and wellbeing of all young New Zealanders. She says at the heart of this Family First report is a lack of care, concern or regard for gender diverse and from the evidence vulnerable young people. “Without our care and support they are likely to be abused, experience depression and in some cases attempt suicide. That is an intolerable situation.” The Network cites the Auckland University Youth’ 12 survey, which found four per cent of youth identified as either transgender or were unsure of their gender. One in five transgender students experienced bullying at a rate five times that of other students. As a result 40 per cent had significant depressive symptoms. ACT Leader David Seymour says the report’s authors seem to be doing what they decry; “imposing their views of gender on others.” Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley has also condemned the report National MP Paul Foster-Bell adds he stands for equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all New Zealanders. “We cannot accept, in this enlightened age, any group advocating the further marginalisation of some of our most vulnerable young citizens,” he says. The Rainbow NZ Parliamentary Network is a group of MPs from across the political spectrum who meet regularly to work on education, leadership and legislative progress for LGBTI rights.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 30th June 2015 - 3:44pm