Human Rights Commission (Press, 3 April 1980)

On 3 April 1980, a series of letters to the editor were published, discussing issues related to law, human rights, and bureaucratic processes in New Zealand. One correspondent, S. D. Pepperle, commented on an ongoing legal case involving Mr Downey and Mr Sides, suggesting that if Downey aims to illustrate that the law is flawed, he is welcome to do so. However, Pepperle advised that it would be wiser for Downey to employ common sense rather than a strict interpretation of legal principles. L. J. Stevens expressed concern over the bureaucracy surrounding the Human Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Tribunal. Stevens noted the costs associated with the tribunal, particularly highlighting that its chairman, Mr J. H. Wallace, Q.C., earns $170 a day, while the other members earn $60 each, in addition to the expenses for secretarial services, travel, and accommodation. Stevens used a quote inspired by Sir Winston Churchill to emphasise what they perceived as excessive governmental expenses and the seemingly endless bureaucratic procedures that taxpayers must shoulder. In another letter, Paul Maling responded to G. K. Friend's commentary regarding discrimination laws, specifically addressing the legality of advertising for flatmates based on sexual orientation versus religious beliefs. Maling argued that the comparison made by Friend was flawed, as individuals are at liberty to choose their flatmates without restriction, but those in certain professions, like petrol retailing, require licenses which inherently come with regulations that could limit employee selection based on various criteria, including religion. Maling contended that any licensing authority must ensure that the employment practices align with community representation before granting a licence, thus suggesting that after such a license is issued, operators can only follow the predetermined guidelines without arbitrary changes. Overall, the letters encapsulate a lively debate around issues of discrimination, government bureaucracy, and the legal interpretation of human rights in New Zealand.

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