Youth Section Calls For Liberal Gay Laws (Press, 12 May 1981)

At the Labour Party conference held in Wellington on 12 May 1981, the youth section of the party advocated for significant social reforms including the legalisation of homosexual acts between consenting adults and the lowering of the legal drinking age. The proposals were presented by the president of the Labour Youth Council, Mr Gary Williams, who argued for the decriminalisation of homosexuality by adjusting the Crimes Act to permit consensual acts between adults aged 16 and over. Mr Williams highlighted the serious issues faced by young homosexual individuals, including police harassment and workplace discrimination. He questioned the moral reasoning behind the ongoing criminalisation of same-sex relationships in a so-called humane society, urging delegates to reconsider entrenched prejudices. The proposal received some resistance from conference attendees, illustrating the divisive nature of the topic within the party. In addition to advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality, Mr Williams pushed for a lower drinking age from 20, as a part of a broader strategy to reform New Zealand’s drinking culture. This initiative included a call to encourage more dining establishments and bars that would foster a more responsible drinking environment, contrasting with the existing trend of “booze barns.” He proposed stricter regulations on liquor advertising and increased government funding for organisations addressing alcoholism, arguing that these changes would help dismantle outdated views on alcohol consumption. Through these measures, Mr Williams asserted that the Labour government could help shift societal attitudes and create a more progressive framework around social issues in New Zealand. The discussions around these proposals reflected broader cultural debates occurring during that period regarding sexual orientation and substance use, revealing both support for progressive change and resistance rooted in traditional views.

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