Gays Seek World Ban On Air N.Z. (Press, 3 October 1983)

On 3 October 1983, homosexual communities in New Zealand expressed their discontent with Air New Zealand, urging others to avoid flying with the airline due to alleged discrimination. The push was partly spearheaded by the editor of the gay magazine “Out,” Mr Charles DeWitt, who claimed that the airline's chairman, Mr R. A. Owens, was openly anti-gay and had instructed the airline to refrain from engaging with the gay community. The controversy originated from promotional brochures on group travel that were produced by the airline's San Francisco office a year prior. These brochures were designed to attract homosexual groups to travel to New Zealand. However, following several complaints, including one from a doctor concerned about the potential spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the airline opted not to reprint the brochures once they were sold out. Air New Zealand maintained that it did not discriminate against homosexuals, asserting that while it would accept group travel bookings from them, it would not actively promote travel specifically for gay groups. Mr Vern Mitchell, the airline's public affairs officer, defended this stance, suggesting that their decision was purely practical rather than discriminatory. Mr DeWitt sought to communicate directly with Mr Owens and the airline's chief executive, Mr Norman Geary, but found himself redirected to Mr Mitchell, whose attitude he described as indifferent and dismissive. He described a significant disconnect between the airline executives' understanding of the gay community's influence and engagement. DeWitt highlighted the slogan "We are everywhere," indicating that the community would rally support from unions and labour groups in cities like Los Angeles and seek collective action against the airline. The campaign could escalate to a boycott against Air New Zealand, potentially barring its aircraft from landing in the United States and at Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom. Mr DeWitt announced plans for the magazine to publish international press releases to inform the global gay community of Air New Zealand's position and intended to reach out to other airlines for their perspectives on the matter. This situation marked a significant moment in the discourse around corporate responsibility and discrimination within the airline industry.

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