Group Seeks End To Discrimination (Press, 24 January 1981)
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Summary: Group Seeks End To Discrimination (Press, 24 January 1981)
An Auckland-based group called the Equality Bill Campaign (E.B.C.) is working to introduce a bill to Parliament in 1981 aimed at eliminating legal discrimination against homosexuals. This initiative follows recent legislation in Victoria that legalised consensual sexual acts between adults, regardless of their sex. The chairman of the E.B.C., Mr P. Wall, expressed disappointment with the Human Rights Commission's recent report on homosexual law reform, characterising it as lacking the necessary courage and compassion to recommend impactful changes. He noted that while the commission acknowledged the need for legislative change, it failed to truly consider public opinion. Mr Wall referenced a recent poll conducted by the group, which indicated that a majority of the public supports less restrictive laws regarding homosexuality. He emphasised the ease of finding a member of Parliament willing to sponsor the bill, although he did not disclose any specific names or party affiliations. The E.B.C. plans to actively lobby for the bill leading up to the upcoming General Election but distanced itself from the more confrontational approach of the Gay Rights Coalition, which threatened civil disobedience, arguing that such actions would be ineffective. Established in early 1980 by a task force of professionals and businesspeople, the E.B.C. seeks to amend the Crimes Act to eliminate all legal discrimination against homosexual individuals. They commissioned a member of Auckland University Law School to draft the bill, which had already been shared with several members of Parliament. Initially intended for presentation in 1982, the group has opted to introduce it sooner in light of the Human Rights Commission's findings and ongoing public support.
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