Timothy Gaston, a TUV MLA, questioned gender categories on forms used for domestic violence programs during an Executive Office Committee session at Stormont.

Officials from the Executive Office stated that forms include three gender options: men, women, and neither, plus a preference not to say. They said statisticians recommended these categories.

Gaston asked for a definition of 'neither,' noting biology determines male or female. Committee chair Paula Bradshaw responded that people complete the forms based on their own identification.

The forms collect feedback from participants in courses funded by the Executive Office to address domestic violence.

Gaston stated that councillor Ron McDowell previously identified funding going to groups including transgender women in Belfast. He said the funding now uses three gender categories province-wide.

Gaston submitted questions to all Executive ministers about gender data collection in their departments, including categories used, definitions, and whether based on biological sex or self-identification.

He raised concerns that unclear gender definitions undermine confidence in schemes targeting violence against women and girls.