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Bill Current Latest version Introduction 2 April 2026 | 2026 No 296—1

Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill

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Bill Current Latest version Introduction 2 April 2026 | 2026 No 296—1

Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill

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Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill

Member’s Bill

296—1

Explanatory note

General policy statement

This Bill ensures clarity and consistency in New Zealand law by defining “woman” as “an adult human biological female” and “man” as “an adult human biological male”, with corresponding definitions for “male” and “female”. By establishing these definitions in the Legislation Act 2019, the Bill provides a clear and biologically grounded meaning of “woman” and “man” across legislation.

The purpose of this amendment is to uphold legal certainty, protect the integrity of sex-based rights, and ensure that language in law reflects biological reality. This definition will apply in all contexts where the terms “woman” and “man” are used, unless explicitly stated otherwise in specific legislation.

Clause by clause analysis

Clause 1 is the Title clause.

Clause 2 is the commencement clause and provides for the Bill to come into force on the day after the date of Royal assent.

Clause 3 identifies the Legislation Act 2019 as the Act amended by the Bill.

Clause 4 inserts new sections 13A and 13B into the Act, which set out the definitions of “woman” or “female” and “man” or “male”.

Jenny Marcroft

Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill

Member’s Bill

296—1

Contents

The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows:

1 Title

This Act is the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Act 2026.

2 Commencement

This Act comes into force on the day after the date of Royal assent.

3 Principal Act

This Act amends the Legislation Act 2019.

4 New section 13A inserted (Meaning of woman or female)

After section 13, insert:

13A Meaning of woman or female

In any legislation, regardless of gender identity,—

(a)

woman means an adult human biological female; and

(b)

female means a human biological female.

13B Meaning of man or male

In any legislation, regardless of gender identity,—

(a)

man means an adult human biological male; and

(b)

male means a human biological male.
Bill Current Latest version Introduction 2 April 2026

Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill

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