Politicians Called Unfit To Govern (Press, 7 July 1975)
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Summary: Politicians Called Unfit To Govern (Press, 7 July 1975)
On 7 July 1975, Mr P. R. H. Maling, the publicity officer for the Gay Liberation Front in Christchurch, publicly criticised the New Zealand Parliament's handling of the Crimes Amendment Bill, which was intended to address homosexual law reform. He expressed his belief that politicians failed to confront the significant issue of individual rights, stating that their cowardice rendered them unfit to govern during a time that called for a stronger commitment to social justice. The national Gay Liberation conference had recently dismissed the Crimes Amendment Bill because it continued to uphold discrimination against homosexuals. However, Maling argued that the Parliament's rejection stemmed from a refusal to grant homosexuals their rights rather than a consensus reached by conscience among its members. He pointed out that it was contradictory for Parliament to vote in a way that maintained existing laws, thereby denying homosexuals the right to live peacefully according to their own beliefs. Maling cited comments made by Chief Justice Sir Richard Wild, who indicated that the harsh and unjust laws regarding homosexuality were still enforceable. He also noted the stance of the Minister of Police, Mr Connelly, and the Minister of Justice, Dr Finlay, who both affirmed their commitment to enforcing these laws against those who violate them. Maling emphasised the precarious situation in which homosexual men would find themselves over the next two years unless the Gay Liberation movement could persuade the Government to expedite the repeal of these discriminatory laws. In response to the ongoing discrimination and societal challenges faced by homosexuals, the Gay Liberation Front in Christchurch resolved to mobilise support and devise election strategies aimed at raising public awareness about the struggles of homosexuals as social outcasts in a society that professes to be free and democratic. Maling’s closing message was a rallying call to all fair-minded individuals to assist the movement in achieving their goal of liberation, which he framed as a fundamental democratic right.
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