Notice Of Bill On Homosexuals (Press, 24 July 1974)

On 23 July 1974, it was announced that a homosexual law reform bill was expected to be introduced in the New Zealand Parliament the following day. National Party member V. S. Young, representing Egmont, indicated that he would bring forward his Crimes Amendment Bill, which aimed to legalise homosexual acts between consenting adults in private. The bill also intended to reinforce the Crimes Act in all other areas concerning homosexual activities. Mr Young described the bill as significant, noting that it was at the invitation of the Minister of Justice for a private member to introduce such legislation. The motion for this bill was set to be examined the next afternoon unless government business monopolised the House’s time. Prime Minister Norman Kirk confirmed that Mr Young’s motion would appear on the Order Paper for consideration and would follow the usual parliamentary process. However, Mr Kirk expressed scepticism regarding the likelihood of the bill progressing, stating that it would be surprising if it received a first reading. He communicated his intention to vote against the bill, stating that he did not support legislation that regarded homosexuality as normal behaviour. The Prime Minister previously held discussions within the Labour caucus, where he noted a Labour MP was unlikely to initiate a similar bill due to significant divisions among the party members. This internal discord underscored the belief that, even if introduced, the bill was unlikely to succeed in a parliamentary vote.

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