‘Gay’ Rights Group Unhappy With Commission (Press, 12 February 1981)
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Summary: ‘Gay’ Rights Group Unhappy With Commission (Press, 12 February 1981)
Members of the Christchurch Gay community expressed their dissatisfaction with the response they received from the Human Rights Commission regarding inquiries they submitted in January 1981 about gay rights. D. R. Bisman, the regional representative of the National Gay Rights Coalition, labelled the commission's replies as “a cop-out.” The Chief Human Rights Commissioner, P. J. Downey, had responded to approximately eight individuals who posed written questions, noting that the commission acknowledged their concerns. However, he stated that the matter would not be revisited as it was now in the Government's hands. Bisman argued that the response failed to address specific inquiries made by the group, which did not require reopening the case. The inquiries included whether Downey's religious beliefs influenced the decisions made in the commission's report and whether there was a consensus on those decisions. Additionally, the group sought clarification on a recommendation advocating for the removal of disparities in penalties for indecent acts between homosexuals and lesbians. Bisman expressed that the response was provocative, given the commission's awareness of the sentiments within the Gay community. He stated that the community had attempted to pursue their concerns through appropriate channels, but this had not yielded satisfactory results, leaving them with no choice but to consider direct action. While he mentioned the possibility of further approaches to the commission, he indicated that the response suggested a dead end. Consequently, the group was contemplating a civil disobedience campaign, though the specifics of the actions would depend on what individuals and groups chose to do. Bisman acknowledged the uncertainty regarding whether all of these actions would align with the law.
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