Gay Call For Apology (Press, 12 September 1977)

The National Gay Rights Coalition has demanded an apology from "The Press" for alleged discrimination after the newspaper declined to run an advertisement that called for social equality for homosexuals and advocated for homosexual law reform. The coalition, which convened in Christchurch for a seminar focused on "public education in homosexuality," claimed that "The Press" only provided 12 hours' notice of its refusal to publish the ad. Miss Judith Emms, the national co-ordinator of the coalition, stated that the advertisement was meant to introduce the weekend's seminar. Emms expressed that the coalition believes an apology is warranted, as the management of "The Press" has challenged the coalition's credibility as a national organisation. She highlighted the inconsistency and inconsiderate attitude of "The Press" and other newspapers, which create obstacles for the coalition and its sponsors that other advertisers do not encounter. The incident is viewed as part of a broader pattern of discriminatory practices faced by the coalition and its member groups, despite the fact that "The Press" and various New Zealand newspapers have provided strong editorial coverage of the coalition's activities. In response to the situation, coalition members and supporters staged a picket outside "The Press" for an hour on the Friday preceding the seminar to voice their complaints regarding the treatment they received. Emms noted that the coalition would have limited options if "The Press" did not issue an apology, but emphasised that the newspaper should not expect to receive further advertising from the coalition if it continues to refuse their requests. The seminar discussions indicated a strategic shift in the movement's approach, emphasising a need to focus more on public interaction rather than solely political engagement. Emms remarked on the irony of a major opportunity for public education being obstructed by media practices.

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