“Frustration” About Democratic Process (Press, 31 July 1972)

On 31 July 1972, Mr J. Crichton, the president of the University of Canterbury Students’ Association, expressed his concerns about the New Zealand government's lack of action regarding the reform of laws related to male homosexuality. His comments were made in the context of a meeting with Prime Minister Mr Marshall, where student leaders representing over 50,000 students gathered to voice their opinions. Crichton noted that the topic of homosexual law reform was of significant interest, as it illustrated a broader frustration among young people about the democratic processes in the country. He emphasised that there was considerable support for reform, including endorsements from the annual conferences of both the National and Labour parties. This disconnect between political endorsement and legislative action left many young individuals feeling disillusioned. Crichton argued that it was contradictory for the government to seek the involvement of young people in democracy while seemingly disregarding their input. He pointed out that such frustrations might lead young people to engage in protests as a means of expressing their dissatisfaction. Crichton highlighted a common parliamentary sentiment that the country was not ready for changes in homosexual law. He countered this argument by recalling the government's proactive approach in other areas, such as the abolition of corporal punishment, which ultimately garnered public acceptance. He critiqued the government's tendency to conform to majority opinion rather than take a leadership role in advancing social progress. During discussions on the subject of free speech, Crichton made it clear that many students perceived the government's inaction as an infringement on the rights of minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community. He warned that the ongoing situation regarding homosexual law reform could have negative implications for the future of race relations in New Zealand, indicating a broader concern about the government’s responsiveness to minority rights.

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