Gay Rights To Wage Campaign (Press, 29 March 1978)
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Summary: Gay Rights To Wage Campaign (Press, 29 March 1978)
On 29 March 1978, the National Gay Rights Coalition held its annual meeting in Wellington, where they outlined the focus of their campaign for the year: promoting the importance of human rights as a cost-free issue. The coalition's coordinator, Mr R. Duff, emphasised that while political parties might highlight the state of the economy during the election, the coalition's goal was to raise awareness about the fundamental lack of human rights for homosexuals in New Zealand. Mr Duff argued that the implementation of gay rights legislation would not only be morally beneficial but could also result in financial savings for the country. He cited examples of costs incurred due to anti-gay prejudice, including hospital expenses for victims of violence, referred to as “queer bashing,” and unemployment benefits for those who lost their jobs due to their sexual orientation. The coalition's agenda includes raising public consciousness about the dire situation of homosexuals who lack basic human rights in society. They noted that past legislation concerning the Security Intelligence Service and abortion had been passed without regard for public sentiment or logical reasoning, indicating a lack of genuine political engagement with these issues. With membership growth from 1,200 in 1977 to 76,000, the coalition expressed their commitment to supporting other disadvantaged groups such as women, workers, and racial minorities, while also standing against organisations that maintain anti-gay policies. The coalition's efforts underscore the interrelation of various human rights struggles, framing their fight as part of a larger movement for equality and justice.
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