‘No Party Pressure’ Over Votes Of Conscience (Press, 6 July 1974)
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Summary: ‘No Party Pressure’ Over Votes Of Conscience (Press, 6 July 1974)
On 6 July 1974, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr Robert Muldoon, addressed the Rakaia electorate, commenting on the National Party's stance regarding private members' bills on matters of conscience, specifically referencing homosexual law reform. He asserted that the National Party would not prevent any member from introducing such a bill, emphasising that political considerations would not override the rights of private members. Muldoon noted the existing public sentiment on the issue, indicating that older demographics showed significant opposition to changes in the law concerning male homosexuality, while younger people were more supportive of reform. He highlighted the disappointment among the youth following Prime Minister Norman Kirk's statement that he would deny one of his Labour Party members the opportunity to present a private bill on the issue due to internal party divisions. Muldoon questioned the logic behind Kirk's reasoning, arguing that the party's divisions existed regardless of external discussion about a private member's bill. Furthermore, Muldoon claimed that the Labour Party was hesitant to bring the matter to Parliament out of fear of losing crucial votes, reflecting their vulnerable political position at the time. He reiterated that although private members' bills are typically discussed within party caucuses, issues of conscience would allow individual members to make their own decisions, and the National Party would facilitate the right for such a bill to be introduced without political interference. Muldoon’s comments indicated a significant focus on the generational divide regarding attitudes towards homosexuality, as well as a critique of the Labour Party’s handling of sensitive issues amidst political pressure.
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