Gays Continue Fight Against Discrimination (Press, 23 June 1981)

In June 1981, homosexuals in Christchurch and across New Zealand are participating in Gay Pride Week, an annual event that commemorates the Stonewall Riots in New York in 1969, which marked a significant point in the gay liberation movement. The riots were a reaction to police harassment of gay patrons and are considered to be a catalyst for the emergence of an organised fight for gay rights, initially led by the Gay Liberation Front. While the Front’s influence diminished quickly, the broader gay liberation movement has continued to thrive, as highlighted by the various activities taking place in Christchurch. Since 1969, the situation for homosexuals in New Zealand has markedly changed; over 60 gay organisations now exist, many affiliated with the National Gay Rights Coalition (N.G.R.C.). Publications catering to the gay community, like "The Pink Triangle" and "Out," along with local publications, have emerged, alongside social venues and support phone lines for gay men and lesbians. Despite these advancements, the struggle for legal reform remains crucial, as homosexual acts between consenting adult males are still illegal—representing one of the most frequently violated laws in the country. Established groups have worked since the late 1960s to secure legal rights for homosexuals. However, there has been internal division between moderates advocating gradual reform and radicals seeking to confront systemic oppression. Past attempts at reform, such as Venn Young's private member's bill in 1974 and the Freer Bill concerning the age of consent, have failed to make significant headway, with many groups feeling disillusioned. The struggle reached a new phase in 1981 with the launch of an Equality Bill Campaign aimed at amending the Crimes Act to eliminate legal discrimination based on sexual orientation, which would also include sexual orientation in the Human Rights Commission Act. This push for legislative change highlights the frustration felt by homosexuals, especially after a December 1980 decision when the Human Rights Commissioner declined to recommend inclusion of sexual orientation as a protected category against discrimination. Although activists recognise that legal reforms alone will not resolve the societal challenges faced by homosexuals, they view such reforms as fundamental to attaining basic civil rights. Discrimination in employment, housing, and social services, as well as issues surrounding child custody for lesbian mothers, remain significant concerns. Many homosexuals feel that societal prejudices—including assumptions that openly gay individuals cannot provide safe environments for children—further complicate their struggles. While this year's Gay Pride Week activities are primarily centred within the gay community, the overarching fight against legal and social discrimination continues to be at the forefront of the movement in New Zealand, demonstrating that the quest for equality and acceptance remains a pressing issue for many in the LGBTQ+ community.

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