Mr Freer May Press Charge On Forgery In Homosexual... (Press, 21 June 1980)

On 21 June 1980, Mr W. W. Freer, the Labour member of Parliament for Mount Albert, announced that he may pursue charges related to forgery concerning a draft bill he was developing on homosexual law reform. Freer informed Prime Minister Mr Muldoon of his suspicions regarding the identity of the individual responsible for the forgeries, which he believed were sent from a single location. While initially indicating he would not pursue charges of breach of privilege, the Prime Minister advised him to reconsider if he could obtain definitive evidence. The controversy arose after a forged version of Freer's draft bill was circulated among Parliament members and others, which contained significant alterations aimed at stirring confusion and dissent. Freer's original intent for the bill was to lower the age of consent for sexual acts between consenting males from 20 to 18. The forged document, however, changed this age to 10, significantly altering the fundamental aims of the legislation and likely inciting outrage. Freer detailed how he had previously explored the introduction of similar legislation in 1979 but had postponed his efforts due to backlash from various groups who felt his original proposal was inadequate. His bill, influenced by discussions with the Homosexual Law Reform Society and other responsible parties, aimed to align New Zealand's laws more closely with those in England, which had established more progressive principles over a decade earlier. Freer was encouraged by anticipated support for his measures within Parliament, although he acknowledged that some members' consciences might lead them to oppose the bill. Despite facing opposition from radical groups advocating for more sweeping changes in sexual conduct laws, Freer had decided to revisit the issue in 1980, circulating a revised draft of his bill seeking feedback and further discussion among his colleagues in Parliament. This renewed effort was intended to address previous criticisms and facilitate a more informed and supportive dialogue surrounding homosexual law reform in New Zealand. The situation surrounding the forged bill not only complicated his efforts but also highlighted the contentious nature of discussions surrounding sexual orientation and legislative reform during that period. Freer's allegations of forgery reveal serious concerns within the political arena about the integrity of legislative processes and underline the challenges faced by advocates of reform in the face of political and social opposition.

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