NZ First Replaces Gender Bill with Firework Ban in 24 Hours

New Zealand’s political landscape witnessed a swift shift as the NZ First party withdrew a significant bill intended to define the legal identities of men and women, only to reinstate it less than 24 hours later. The party replaced the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill with a proposal to ban private firework sales. This rapid decision has sparked discussions about the motivations behind the change and the party’s priorities.

The initial withdrawal was not influenced by the backlash from social conservatives, according to party officials. Instead, the move is attributed to the parliamentary rule that limits each party to four members’ bills in the ballot at any given time. Each bill in the ballot has the potential to be debated in Parliament, with the possibility of becoming law. The process has previously facilitated major legislative changes, including the legalization of euthanasia and same-sex marriage.

Winston Peters, leader of NZ First, announced on March 4, 2024, that the party was inserting a new bill into the ballot but did not specify which existing bill would be removed. A spokesperson later confirmed that the gender definition bill had been replaced by the firework legislation. The definition bill, which has garnered support from the gender-critical movement, has been a contentious topic, particularly among those opposing the recognition of transgender identities.

Critics within the gender-critical movement took to social media to express their disappointment regarding the bill’s withdrawal. Prominent figures such as Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First, and Ro Edge, co-founder of Save Women’s Sport Australasia, voiced their concerns. Edge remarked, “Hey @winstonpeters, I know this fireworks bill gets you media attention, but having it replace the bill that defined men & women in law is pretty bloody disappointing.”

Despite the criticism, NZ First Minister Casey Costello emphasized to reporters that the withdrawal did not diminish the party’s commitment to the issue. “This is a process that we go through – it depends on what is the most topical issue at the time,” she stated.

In response to queries about the decision, Peters suggested that the media misunderstood the situation. He noted that the party was strategically presenting its agenda as it gained traction in the polls ahead of the upcoming elections. Speaking to ThreeNews on March 5, he indicated that the firework ban could become a key point in coalition negotiations.

As the backlash continued, an NZ First staff member confirmed to The Post that the gender bill had been reinserted into the ballot, replacing the Health (Prostate Cancer Screening Services) Amendment Bill. Initially added in September 2023, this bill proposed a four-year pilot program for free prostate cancer screening aimed at at-risk men.

Darroch Ball, chief of staff for NZ First, reiterated that the change was not driven by online reactions but rather a necessary adjustment within the constraints of parliamentary procedures. Public relations expert Ben Thomas noted that introducing members’ bills can effectively draw attention to specific issues, providing a greater opportunity for discussion and potential legislative change.

Thomas explained, “It is more newsworthy than just putting out a media statement, because while it’s in the ballot there is at least a chance it will become law.” He added that these bills offer smaller parties a platform to signal their positions on matters they might not directly control.

The developments surrounding the NZ First gender bill highlight the complexities of parliamentary politics and the influence of public opinion on legislative priorities. As the party navigates these challenges, the ongoing discussions surrounding gender identity and recognition remain at the forefront of national debate.