Transgender Labour MP Georgina Beyer has said she expects to retire from politics before the next general election, reports the Dominion Post. She has previously considered leaving Parliament, but has remained to complete unfinished business. Asked if she would retire before the next election, Beyer said: “In my view more than likely, but that depends entirely on how the leader wants that managed.” Beyer says she wants to achieve clarity on the status of transsexuals in human rights law and finish some work related to her role as chair of Parliament's Social Services Committee. Beyer was twice elected MP for Wairarapa, and was returned to Parliament last year on Labour's Party List. Beyer has drafted the Human Rights (Gender Identity) Amendment Bill, a private member's bill that seeks specific human rights protections for transgender New Zealanders, is currently sitting in the Parliamentary ballot. The Bill, if drawn, will be subject to a conscience vote in Parliament. Ref: The Dominion Post (d)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 19th July 2006 - 12:00pm