Homosexuals Face Hard Fight To Win Tolerance (Press, 21 July 1977)

In 1977, the sentiment surrounding homosexual rights in New Zealand reflected a landscape of mixed progress and setbacks. In the late 1960s, there was a sense of optimism among homosexuals as societal norms appeared to be loosening, leading many to believe that tolerance and legal recognition of their rights were achievable. However, by the mid-1970s, this optimism had diminished, especially after significant legislative defeats, such as the July 1975 parliamentary vote against amending laws to legalise consensual homosexual acts, which occurred with a close margin of 34 to 29. Despite the presence of a considerable homosexual population in New Zealand, estimated conservatively at over 100,000, public sentiment remained largely unfavourable. The influence of Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, who was known for reflecting the conservative “gut feelings” of the average New Zealander, suggested that many New Zealanders were resistant to change regarding the legal and social status of homosexuals. This was further evidenced by reactions within the Labour Party, where some members expressed doubts that advocating for the legalisation of homosexual acts would benefit the party's political standing. Moreover, some party figures suggested that rather than legislative reform, improvements in medical care were necessary, which frustrated many activists. On the church front, some denominations began to reassess their views on homosexuality, while others maintained traditional stances that contributed to societal repression. For instance, a Catholic bishop distinguished between having homosexual tendencies and acting on them, reflecting a conflicted perspective within religious institutions. In response to ongoing discrimination, the National Gay Rights Coalition in New Zealand was poised to launch a new campaign aimed at calling attention to their plight and urging Parliament to reconsider its previous decisions. This came in a context where similar resistance was being faced by homosexuals internationally, as evidenced by a recent election in Miami that rejected anti-discrimination laws for homosexuals. Despite challenges, ongoing activism remained robust both in New Zealand and abroad. In the United States, for instance, there was a push for federal legislation to outlaw discrimination based on sexual preference, mirroring the aims of New Zealand's activists who sought to include "sexual orientation" in anti-discrimination protections under an upcoming Human Rights Commission Bill. However, resistance from government officials, like the Minister of Justice, underscored the entrenched attitudes that impeded progress. The political and social atmosphere in 1977 suggested that while there was an active movement for change, the struggle for civil rights for homosexuals in New Zealand faced significant hurdles, exacerbated by both societal attitudes and legislative resistance. The path toward equality appeared daunting, but the determination of activists indicated that they would continue to fight for their rights amidst a climate of discrimination.

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