Second reading debate

On November 6, 1985, during a second reading debate at Parliament buildings in Wellington, New Zealand, members discussed the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. The recording features the voices of several members of Parliament: Clive Matthewson, Dennis Marshall, Neill Austin, Norman Jones, and Paul East. The duration of the recording is over an hour, discussing a significant societal issue of that decade - the legal status of homosexuality.

The debate opened with one member suggesting a royal commission to investigate homosexuality, similar to the Wolfenden report in Britain. However, this idea was set against the backdrop of the then-emerging AIDS crisis, creating additional complexity to the matter at hand. Despite supporting a degree of reform, the speaker preferred a more authoritative document to inform the debate and opposed the bill as "too extreme."

Another member expressed firm opposition to the bill in all forms, highlighting a personal conviction reached independent of public or private influence. They emphasized a strong moral stance against the legislation, irrespective of political jeopardy or public support.

The recording went on to highlight the sharply divided opinions within Parliament. Opinions ranged from those who felt that the criminalization of homosexual acts should not be enforced by the state, as it was inconsistent with core principles of individual freedom, privacy, and the non-interventionist role of criminal law in matters of private morality when no harm is caused to others. Others stubbornly opposed any change, driven by religious belief, concerns over family structure, and the threat of AIDS. They held to the conviction that homosexuality was wrong and that the passing of the bill would lower the nation's moral standards.

Some members supported the bill, arguing for equality and non-discrimination, while others felt the age of consent issue was the ultimate deciding factor. Simultaneously, the debate alluded to the impact the bill, if passed, could have on societal institutions like religious organizations and the Boy Scouts, who would be forced to accept homosexuals without exemption.

Further, it was noted that the handling of the legislation by the Justice and Law Reform Committee was highly contentious. Opinions included criticism of the rushed decision-making process without hearing all evidence, denial of petitioners' rights, exclusion of the media, and mishandling of departmental advice. This part of the debate emphasized procedural concerns and the need for careful consideration and democratic process.

Towards the end, one MP stressed the international aspect of the AIDS crisis, blaming the homosexual community for the spread and pressuring governments worldwide to legalize sodomy as a means of addressing AIDS. They predicted a global campaign to legalize homosexuality, driven by a need for funding and research into AIDS, perceived primarily as a homosexual disease at that time.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Clive Matthewson Dennis Marshall Neill Austin Norman Jones Paul East

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