Linda Evans

In this podcast, Linda Evans discusses their involvement in various movements supporting homosexual law reform in New Zealand, spanning the 1960s through the 1980s. The conversation touches on the foundational activism in the women's liberation movement, lesbian feminism, and the gay liberation events of the seventies, which fostered Evans' engagement with law reform efforts. A central point of discussion is the then Venn Young Bill of 1974, which was the first legislative attempt to decriminalize homosexual acts with a proposed age of consent.

The interview details the shift from the initial focus of decriminalization in the National Gay Rights Coalition to the inclusive and equal age of consent advocacy, a unifying issue that brought various groups within the movement together. Another pivotal topic covered is the opposition's (notably, Gerald Wall) attempt to introduce an amendment that would effectively ban positive discussions of homosexuality with young people. Evans explains how this contentious amendment contributed to broader civil liberties concerns and galvanized liberals alongside lesbian and gay activists, resulting in debates about freedom of speech and expression.

Evans recounts how the determination for equality shaped the coalition's strategies, including resisting unequal age of consent proposals – not simply because of the desire for parity in legislation but also to challenge stereotypes and prejudices. Another challenge described involves Dale Jones' potential amendment to include lesbians, which would have imposed unequal age restrictions, serving as a significant rallying point for lesbian involvement.

Evans identifies some strategies adopted during the reform campaign, such as producing pamphlets to dispel myths and framing the discussion toward more personal, relatable narratives. They mention the vibrant and intense period of activism leading to the third reading of the Homosexual Law Reform Act in 1986, which culminated in the decriminalization of homosexual acts for those 16 years and above, despite the failure to pass the human rights part of the bill. The passage of this legislation is recognized as a major step towards further legislative changes for the rainbow communities, including human rights protections and HIV/AIDS prevention through education.

Lastly, Evans reflects on the aftermath of the campaign, acknowledging a rest from intense activism but continuing involvement with lesbian radio and archival work. They underline the significance of the bill in opening the door to broader change and visibility for lesbian, gay, and broader rainbow communities, noting the long process of advocacy before and beyond the two decisive years of the reform campaign. The interview is a testament to how collective efforts and nuanced debates shaped the discourse and outcomes of homosexual law reform, and how these efforts continue to inform contemporary activism.

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Linda Evans

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