Women in Armed Forces Amendment Act Passed 

4 May 2007

Women's Affairs Minister Lianne Dalziel and Defence Minister Phil Goff welcomed the passing of the Human Rights (Women in Armed Forces) Amendment Bill at Parliament on May 3.

The Human Rights (Women in Armed Forces) Amendment Act removes a provision in the Human Rights Act 1993 that allowed the Armed Forces to restrict women’s involvement in combat and other front-line roles, although in practice the NZDF has not applied such  restrictions for some time.

"Servicewomen already play a vital part in all operations of our armed forces, and have been able to serve in any role since 2000 when the Defence Force officially rescinded its policy of not permitting women to serve in combat positions. So, while nothing will change in practice, this is an important symbolic step in granting women full equality before the law," the Hon Lianne Dalziel said.

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