Production Details: 001014_MIX_40_years_since_homosexual_law_reform.wav

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irn7998
master_filename001014_MIX_40_years_since_homosexual_law_reform.wav
master_md50FE0FE07966A78D28DD73E7C5BE448CD
master_duration32:38
master_sample_rate44.1 kHz
master_bit_depth16 bit
master_channels1
media_reference001014
media_sourcePrideNZ.com
copyright_positionIn copyright
copyright_ownershipGareth Watkins (PrideNZ.com)
copyright_ownership_note
submitted_to_nlnz
public_urlhttps://www.pridenz.com/40_years_since_homosexual_law_reform.html
meta_urlhttps://www.pridenz.com/data/media/meta/7998.html
plain_text_urlhttps://www.pridenz.com/plaintext/40_years_since_homosexual_law_reform.txt
production_date11-03-2025
production_day11
production_month03
production_year2025
recording_typeEvent
seriesHomosexual Law Reform
sub_series
title40 Years Since Homosexual Law Reform
descriptionAudio from the Rainbow Wellington event held at Parliament to mark the 40th anniversary of the introduction of Fran Wilde's Homosexual Law Reform Bill to Parliament on the 8 March 1985. Thanks to MP Shanan Halbert, Rainbow Wellington and the speakers for allowing this event to be recorded and shared. Details. 00:01 - Karakia, host MP Shanan Halbert. 00:24 - Sam French, Chair - Rainbow Wellington. 06:50 - MP Shanan Halbert, Labour Party. 14:50 - Dame Fran Wilde. 21:50 - MP Benjamin Doyle, Green Party. 27:50 - MP Todd Stevenson, ACT New Zealand. 30:35 - Sam French, closing.
summary_computer_generatedThe audio recording captures an event held at the New Zealand Parliament on 11 March 2025. Organised by Rainbow Wellington, the gathering marked four decades since the introduction of Fran Wilde’s Homosexual Law Reform Bill to Parliament on 8 March 1985. The event brought together political leaders, activists, and community members to reflect on the past, acknowledge progress, and address ongoing challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Aotearoa New Zealand. The event began with a karakia and formal acknowledgements by Sam French, who represented Rainbow Wellington. French paid tribute to the pioneers of law reform, particularly those who had passed away, including Bruce Burnett, Carmen Rupe, and Georgina Beyer. French also recognised the efforts of historians and archivists in preserving the stories of LGBTQIA+ activism and history. Attendees included community leaders, politicians, and members of various organisations supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. Labour MP and host, Shanan Halbert, then addressed the audience, expressing gratitude for the work of past activists and political leaders. Halbert emphasised the intersection between politics and LGBTQIA+ rights, acknowledging key legislative achievements such as civil unions, marriage equality, the banning of conversion therapy, and gender self-identification laws. However, Halbert also voiced concerns about the current political climate, particularly the actions of the government regarding transgender rights, access to gender-affirming healthcare, and the removal of relationship and sexuality education guidelines in schools. Halbert criticised the presence of groups like Destiny Church, which he accused of promoting discrimination and intimidation against LGBTQIA+ communities. He urged continued advocacy and solidarity to protect and advance human rights. Dame Fran Wilde, whose efforts led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in New Zealand, then spoke. Wilde reflected on the challenges faced during the 1980s, particularly the widespread prejudice and misinformation about gay men. She highlighted how public perceptions changed as more individuals came out, demonstrating that LGBTQIA+ people were ordinary members of society who deserved equal rights. Wilde also expressed concerns about the rise of conservative and extremist movements both globally and in New Zealand, warning against complacency in the fight for human rights. She encouraged younger generations to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that progress was not undone. Following Wilde’s speech, Benjamin Doyle of the Green Party addressed the audience. Doyle, who identifies as takatāpui and non-binary, spoke about the interconnected struggles of marginalised communities, particularly Māori, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Doyle also shared personal reflections on parenting a transgender child and the need for continued advocacy to protect young people’s rights and access to healthcare. Todd Stevenson of the ACT Party then spoke, acknowledging the significance of the event. While avoiding direct engagement with specific policy criticisms raised by other speakers, Stevenson affirmed the party’s belief in individual freedoms and encouraged open dialogue on LGBTQIA+ issues. The event concluded with reflections on progress made and the challenges ahead. Speakers emphasised the importance of continued activism, political engagement, and community solidarity in ensuring that LGBTQIA+ rights remain protected and expanded. Attendees were reminded of the struggles that had paved the way for legal and social change and were encouraged to keep advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society.
interviewer
voicesBenjamin Doyle; Fran Wilde; Sam French; Shanan Halbert; Todd Stevenson
tagsHIV / AIDS; gay; lesbian; non-binary; takatāpui; transgender; 1960s; 1980s; 2020s; coming out; gangs; homelessness; hormone blockers; Member of Parliament; pride; puberty blockers; Relationships and sexuality education (RSE); Onslow College; Parliament buildings; pridenz.com; Aotearoa New Zealand; United States of America; Wellington; ACT New Zealand; AIDS Memorial Quilt; Burnett Foundation Aotearoa; Destiny Church; Dorian Society; Green Party; Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa; New Zealand AIDS Memorial Quilt; New Zealand Labour Party; New Zealand Police; Rainbow Wellington; Featherston Pride Festival; Transgender awareness week; Ayesha Verrall; Benjamin Doyle; Bill Logan; Brett Rawnsley; Brian Tamaki; Bruce Burnett; Carmel Sepuloni; Carmen Rupe; Chris Carter; Claudette Hauiti; Des Smith; Donald Trump; Erica Stanford; Fran Wilde; Gavin Young; Georgina Beyer; Glen Bennett; Grant Robertson; John Jolliff; Kiritapu Allan; Louisa Wall; Mark Mitchell; Michael Gibbs; Sam French; Shanan Halbert; Shaneel Lal; Tangi Utikere; Tim Barnett; Todd Stevenson; Tory Whanau; Willie Jackson; Willy Smack'n Tush
tags_computer_generatedintersex; sexuality; education; politics; media; sex; health; history; Homosexual Law Reform; archives; human rights; civil unions; Auckland; straight; law; police; relationships; support; research; social; sex work; elders; unions; marriage; Amsterdam; privilege; Waiau; social media; friends; Whanganui; organising; community; Marriage Equality; Pride parade; equality; internet; Grindr; Taranaki; church; reading; queer; government; hui; food; homosexual; mobility; policy; Singapore; capitalism; fat; gender; mana; hate; pronouns; consent; rainbow; liberation; building; safety; grandchildren; minority; mokopuna; memorial; change; kaupapa; academics; opportunity; rangatira; trans; binary; attack; agenda; struggle; individual; other; humanity; honour; solidarity; email; conversation; connect; energy; parade; taonga; tangi; collaboration; strength; future; work; aroha; action plan; puberty; success; plan; security; suffering; mana whenua; karakia; Job; God; healthy relationships; Wellington Pride; Europe; mayor; Space; touch; civil war; whenua; gender affirming healthcare; wine; Tamaki; People; access; speech; organised; time; quilt; Rongo; current affairs; whanaungatanga; advocacy; maiden speech; kite; take over; AIDS
location_nameParliament buildings
location1 Molesworth Street
broader_locationWellington
location_lat-41.27788120419163
location_long174.77684170134955
precise_localitytrue