New Zealand First introduces bill to define ‘woman’ and ‘man’ in law
New Zealand First has introduced a member’s bill to Parliament that would legally define men and women based on biological sex, excluding trans individuals from legal recognition.
According to Reuters, the law, endorsed by party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, reflects the party's position on what it refers to as "biological reality."
Peters condemned the influence of the "deluded left," claiming that the bill will restore legal clarity. However, the law faces long odds because it must be picked from a ballot and passed with a majority vote in Parliament.
Opposition leader Chris Hipkins criticized the idea as "typical populist politics," claiming it diverts attention away from more urgent national issues such as the cost of living and healthcare, Reuters reported.
The bill follows a recent UK Supreme Court decision that only biological women are covered by the Equality Act, sparking controversy about transgender rights.
Harvard sues the Trump administration over funding cuts
Harvard University filed a federal lawsuit on Monday challenging the Trump administration’s proposed $2.2 bn in funding cuts, calling the move an unlawful overreach, according to BBC.
The lawsuit follows escalating tensions after Harvard rejected demands from the Trump administration aimed at curbing diversity programs and addressing anti-Semitism.
The administration’s demands included government-approved audits of Harvard’s curriculum, admissions, and hiring practices. Harvard President Alan M. Garber warned the consequences of the government’s actions would be “severe and long-lasting,” criticizing the intrusion into academic independence, BBC reported.
In addition to freezing federal funds, the Trump administration also threatened the university’s tax-exempt status and its ability to enroll international students.
Trump threatens $1bn Harvard cut over protest response
The Trump administration plans to cut $1bn in Harvard research funding amid an ongoing clash over the university's handling of pro-Palestinian protests, the “Wall Street Journal” reports.
This follows earlier sanctions over alleged failures to address campus antisemitism, Reuters reported.
Harvard recently rejected White House demands for monitoring of school policy, forcing the administration to halt $2.3 bn in cash and threaten Harvard's tax-exempt status. Officials were stunned when Harvard made private negotiation demands public, according to Reuters.
Since January, Trump has targeted elite universities over protest responses, accusing them of tolerating antisemitism.
Pope Francis dies at 88
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican announced on Monday. His death marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, reform, and a strong focus on compassion and inclusion within the Catholic Church, BBC reported.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell described him as a man who dedicated his entire life to the service of God and the Church. World leaders have paid tribute to the late pontiff. French President Emmanuel Macron called him “a man of humility,” while Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte praised him as a role model for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, according to BBC.
Remarkably, Pope Francis made a final public appearance just a day before his death, addressing thousands in St. Peter’s Square with an Easter greeting. Elected in 2013, he was the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the office.
