A church billboard in New Zealand is defying a government move to define all women and men by their biological sex.

The poster, outside St Matthew Church in Auckland Central uses the colours of the trans flag and reads: "We don't care what's in your pants... and neither should our government".

The church's vicar, Rev Dr Richard Bonifant said he believed the bill, which is currently out for consultation would discriminate against transgender and intersex communities: "When it comes to an individual saying, 'I believe I am this gender and this is my right to define who I am,' I just don't think the government has a place in saying, actually you're wrong." He said the church, which is hoping to encourage people to take part in the consultation before it closes on 2 July, is"trying to follow the example of Jesus who welcomed everyone to the table, and offered that without judgement."

In response to those opposing the bill, New Zealand MP Winston Peters said on social media that it was about "protecting women and girls' rights, freedoms and safety".