Sexual Orientation Policy - Celebrating a Rainbow Nation

Read the Sexual Orientation Policy Summary

Summary of Main Points

The Green Party supports:

• celebration of diversity and encouragement of appreciation between groups
• elimination of legislative barriers to full participation in society
• elimination of institutional discrimination
• education in school, workplace and the community about sexual orientation
• fostering enduring, cohesive and participatory communities through well resourced social services
• research into issues confronting the "rainbow" communities
• holistic health services accessible to all

Green Values

The human family encompasses a rich diversity of ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities and sexual orientations. Upbringing, education and circumstance further add to our diversity. The Green Party embraces this human diversity. New Zealand society is enhanced by each step it takes along the path from prejudice to appreciation to celebration of diversity.

This policy is derived from the Green Party's principles of social justice and appropriate decision-making. We recognise an intimate connection between our rights as individuals and our responsibilities to our neighbours, our communities and the Earth. Much remains to be done in many areas to provide a decent and secure life for everyone. A sense of balance between our rights and responsibilities grows from participation in the decisions that affect all aspects of our lives.

Policy Statement

New Zealanders with a sexual orientation or gender identity different from that of the majority include people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, transexual, intersex, takataapui and fa'fafine. These New Zealanders are a significant group in our society that has been marginalised through legislative barriers, institutional discrimination and casual prejudice. Some research suggests that these groups together constitute anything between 4 and 10% of the total population.

In this policy document we will use "rainbow" as an inclusive term to describe any person (or community) who is not predominantly heterosexual, or has an identity that is not their assigned gender role, or anyone questioning their gender or sexuality, or experiencing same sex love or attraction.

The Green Party encourages social cohesion and acceptance within New Zealand. People of differing sexual orientations or gender identity should treat each other with courtesy, respect and appreciation. The "rainbow" communities cross social, educational and economic boundaries. As a result they are natural champions of diversity that has the potential to enrich us all. The Green Party's fundamental values lead us to promote an inclusive society in which each minority group feels at home.

Specific Policy Points

The Green Party supports the following specific policies:

1. "Rainbow" communities are entitled to equal opportunities in law and in practice. We support making the government comply fully with the right to freedom from discrimination on the grounds that were established by the Human Rights Act 1993 and its amendments. We support programmes that eliminate prejudice, discrimination and harassment.
2. "Rainbow" and heterosexual partnerships are equally entitled to respect and support. We support the extension of all legal partnership arrangements and rights to same-sex couples.
3. Parenting skills are distinct from sexual orientation or gender identity. We support equal criteria for both "rainbow" and heterosexual couples in their assessment for suitability and eligibility for parenting.
4. Community development is crucial for the empowerment of "rainbow" communities. We encourage the development of adequately resourced community centres, outreach programmes and events and the creative self-expression of people with "rainbow" identities through drama and literature and the arts.
5. "Rainbow" communities have special health needs. The Green Party supports a holistic approach to health that acknowledges the relationships between human rights and health and encompasses physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects within the wider context of the environment in which we live, work and play. We support the development of specific programmes, including professional education, in partnership with "rainbow" communities. All people, no matter what their health or partnership status, have the right to adequate medical care and protection from discrimination within the health services.
6. The interests and identity of "rainbow" students in schools and tertiary institutions need to be protected. We support the creation of safe and supportive educational environments. We support human rights education as a core part of the curriculum. We support a partnership with schools and "rainbow" youth organisations to reduce the unacceptably high level of suicide and drug abuse among youth. We will ensure that teachers are adequately trained in educating for diversity through the inclusion of sexual orientation in teacher training and development.
7. "Rainbow" communities are entitled to fair and just treatment in their dealings with police, penal institutions, courts, and the military. We support initiatives to educate all institutions in sexual orientation and gender identity issues.
8. We encourage research to help identify discriminatory practices. We also support participatory research into individual life experience to identify ways to encourage "rainbow" communities' physical and mental health and safety.
9. New Zealand has a proud tradition in international human rights advocacy. We support New Zealand taking an active role within the international community to promote human rights issues in relation to rainbow communities and people throughout the world.