The Human Rights Commission says the Crown Law opinion on protection against discrimination for transgender people is “timely” as they have just launched an inquiry into the human rights situation for transgender people. Commissioner Joy Liddicoat says the Commission has taken the same approach as the acting Solicitor-General, since February last year – “that transgender people are covered by human rights law regardless of whether or not they have had sex reassignment surgery.” The opinion delivered by the acting Solicitor-General, found that the ‘sex discrimination' provisions of the Human Rights Act would include discrimination on the basis of gender identity, should a claim be lodged on these grounds. Research on discrimination against transgender people led the Commission to recommend an inquiry be held, which is now under way. “Our own research in 2004 and 2005, based on consultation with over 5,000 New Zealanders including transgender people and their families, showed that transgender people face discrimination,” says Liddicoat. “There were real and serious concerns about the human rights status of transgender people.” “The release of the [Crown Law] opinion is helpful and timely” as the Commission progresses with its inquiry, she says. The Commission's inquiry will look at the personal experiences of discrimination, difficulties accessing health services and the barriers that transgender people face when trying to have their gender legally recognised. Commissioner Liddicoat said that complaints to the Commission deal with many issues people take for granted, “such as being able to walk down the street without fear, get a job, or go out for a drink with friends without being hassled.” “The inquiry will make a significant contribution to eliminating stereotypes and reducing discrimination against transgender people,” she said. Claudia McKay of transgender advocacy group Agender is welcoming the Commission's inquiry. “We believe that the results of this, in time, will build on the foundations laid by the Crown Law Opinion.” Ref: GayNZ.com (d)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Thursday, 24th August 2006 - 12:00pm