‘Destruction Of Sexism' (Press, 27 June 1975)

On 27 June 1975, a meeting was held to discuss the “destruction of sexism” in New Zealand, featuring representatives from various groups including University Feminists, Gay Liberation, and the Social Credit League. The gathering aimed to explore social and political policies needed to eliminate sexism and promote a non-sexist society, particularly in light of the upcoming elections. This event was part of “Gay Pride Week.” The discussions delved into several topics, covering the attitudes of Parliament towards women and the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the importance of non-sexist literature and the oppression faced by women within society. Lindsay Taylor, the “gay rights” officer for the Students’ Association, emphasised the necessity for political parties to be more mindful of their platforms in order to win the support of women and those in Gay Liberation. He indicated that these voters would prefer candidates who advocate for their rights. Mr A. Easterbrook, the Social Credit candidate for Christchurch Central, claimed that his party would present the largest number of female candidates in the upcoming elections, challenging other parties' track records. He argued that women are better suited to make decisions on issues affecting them, such as abortion, which he stated should be a matter for women to decide, as it directly impacts their lives. During the meeting, various accounts were shared regarding the societal roles of women. Some participants spoke of the struggles faced by women who were unable to leave their homes because their husbands refused to care for children. Others highlighted that women often hesitated to take on leadership roles in school and sporting committees or to engage in trade union activities due to societal expectations. Many women felt pressured to adhere to traditional roles as wives and mothers, and as a result, had limited opportunities to challenge this status quo. Overall, the meeting served as a platform for advocates of women’s and LGBTQ+ rights to articulate the need for systemic change and to rally support for a more inclusive and equitable society.

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