I presented a submission to a select committee of New Zealand’s Parliament regarding a clause in the Births, Deaths, Marriages and Relationships Registration Bill (BDMRR bill) which would allow for the alteration of sex on one’s birth certificate.
So Russell's only contribution to the evidence presented was to demand which of Gluck's examples came from men who'd IDd into women's spaces in New Zealand, while taking evidence to hopefully inform a bill that is just that - not yet law. Rather like responding to someone who suggests you don't walk blindfolded towards a cliff with: 'Show me the evidence that I've fallen off this cliff before!' Now as it happens I do recall reading quite recently about a case of some bloke who'd crept into the women's toilets in a New Zealand store, concealed himself in a toilet cubicle and held his phone under the gap between the cubicles to film women in the adjacent toilet. One noticed him and ran out screaming. The case was (about two years later) finally brought to court. The woman's trauma was still upsettingly evident.
Dr Deborah Russell's hostile attitude, as a key member of the select committee on this issue, has been typical of her treatment of many other submitters on this issue. It has been so bad that is has lead to many women complaining to the disciplinary section of parliament about her and three other women who have repeatedly been most unprofessional in their behaviour and attitude towards those presenting oral submissions which oppose the bill.
Thank you Genevieve for your superbly and professionally presented oral submission to the NZ parliamentary select committee over the sex self-ID issue re birth certificates as part of the current BDMRR Bill yet to be implemented by the NZ government. It is crucial that New Zealand learns from the overseas examples in the US, as well as other parts of the world, about the very serious harm that can be done to biological women if men, claiming to be women, are allowed in female only spaces. We should not be implementing any system which is damaging to the welfare of women and undermines their hard won rights. It is a travesty of justice to do so.
The reactions of the panel were interesting to watch. I’m thinking you may have peaked the woman in the lower left, judging by her reaction to your testimony about prisons.
What a bizarre thing to ask for an example of harm in New Zealand specifically.
If New Zealand were considering legalizing pot how could an opponent provide an example of legalized pot being harmful in new Zealand, where it is not yet legal?
Are men in New Zealand less dangerous to women in other countries
Having spent my teenage years there I can categorically state that New Zealand had a healthy supply of sex pests in the 1970s and I'd lay bets on their since having multiplied.
There are plenty people in New Zealand who think NZ has less crime than other countries. But people are good and bad, and NZ citizens are people. It maybe that in parts of NZ it is easier to see those who creep about trying to abuse others and so they can be stopped. It doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
"here in New Zealand". That's very passive aggressive sarcasm there.
I thought that Deborah was ok a few years ago before she became an MP. But obviously not. There seems little chance of getting these 3 (4 with Elizabeth Kerekere) to see the harms they're allowing into the system. These 3 just want to agree with each other. We need someone on the panel who doesn't and won't.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make your submission -- it's a tour de force.
So Russell's only contribution to the evidence presented was to demand which of Gluck's examples came from men who'd IDd into women's spaces in New Zealand, while taking evidence to hopefully inform a bill that is just that - not yet law. Rather like responding to someone who suggests you don't walk blindfolded towards a cliff with: 'Show me the evidence that I've fallen off this cliff before!' Now as it happens I do recall reading quite recently about a case of some bloke who'd crept into the women's toilets in a New Zealand store, concealed himself in a toilet cubicle and held his phone under the gap between the cubicles to film women in the adjacent toilet. One noticed him and ran out screaming. The case was (about two years later) finally brought to court. The woman's trauma was still upsettingly evident.
Dr Deborah Russell's hostile attitude, as a key member of the select committee on this issue, has been typical of her treatment of many other submitters on this issue. It has been so bad that is has lead to many women complaining to the disciplinary section of parliament about her and three other women who have repeatedly been most unprofessional in their behaviour and attitude towards those presenting oral submissions which oppose the bill.
this was excellent, Genevieve!
btw I feel like you just peaked the woman on the bottom left
Thank you Genevieve for your superbly and professionally presented oral submission to the NZ parliamentary select committee over the sex self-ID issue re birth certificates as part of the current BDMRR Bill yet to be implemented by the NZ government. It is crucial that New Zealand learns from the overseas examples in the US, as well as other parts of the world, about the very serious harm that can be done to biological women if men, claiming to be women, are allowed in female only spaces. We should not be implementing any system which is damaging to the welfare of women and undermines their hard won rights. It is a travesty of justice to do so.
Great summary and great letter!
The reactions of the panel were interesting to watch. I’m thinking you may have peaked the woman in the lower left, judging by her reaction to your testimony about prisons.
What a bizarre thing to ask for an example of harm in New Zealand specifically.
If New Zealand were considering legalizing pot how could an opponent provide an example of legalized pot being harmful in new Zealand, where it is not yet legal?
Are men in New Zealand less dangerous to women in other countries
Having spent my teenage years there I can categorically state that New Zealand had a healthy supply of sex pests in the 1970s and I'd lay bets on their since having multiplied.
There are plenty people in New Zealand who think NZ has less crime than other countries. But people are good and bad, and NZ citizens are people. It maybe that in parts of NZ it is easier to see those who creep about trying to abuse others and so they can be stopped. It doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
We're a very gaslighting nation. Look at us!
Truth is that most shitty stuff is swept under the carpet.
Thank you Genevieve. So glad that you could submit - so skilful and incredibly valuable to NZ and beyond.
"here in New Zealand". That's very passive aggressive sarcasm there.
I thought that Deborah was ok a few years ago before she became an MP. But obviously not. There seems little chance of getting these 3 (4 with Elizabeth Kerekere) to see the harms they're allowing into the system. These 3 just want to agree with each other. We need someone on the panel who doesn't and won't.