Party Told To Reject Conscience Votes (Press, 18 September 1984)
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Summary: Party Told To Reject Conscience Votes (Press, 18 September 1984)
On 18 September 1984, Callum Reid, the president of Labour Youth, called for the Labour Party to eliminate conscience voting and establish clear and binding policies on all issues, particularly concerning abortion and homosexual law reform. He emphasised that as the governing party, Labour needed to demonstrate moral leadership in New Zealand. Reid's statements were made in response to comments from G. B. Braybrooke, the Labour MP for Napier, who expressed that he would resign from the party if his right to a conscience vote was revoked. Braybrooke referred to a recent Labour Party conference where a discussion was held regarding conscience voting, suggesting that efforts against it were influenced by advocates for abortion rights. Ultimately, the conference delegates recommended that the caucus reevaluate its procedures, possibly requiring members who wish to exercise conscience votes to first justify their stance to the caucus. Reid dismissed Braybrooke's comments as unproductive to the debate. He reiterated that Labour Youth holds firm views on various issues and intends to advocate for them within the party and to the public, despite opposing opinions from figures like Braybrooke. He highlighted existing party policies, such as those concerning wealth distribution and nuclear disarmament, framing them as moral issues, and insisted that the Labour Party should be clear about its position on traditional conscience matters. Specifically, Reid insisted that the Labour Party should affirm women's right to choose abortion and advocate for government funding for such procedures. He further called for recognition of the rights of all individuals, regardless of sexuality, to live free from oppressive moral laws and government intervention. Reid's stance reflects a progressive view that seeks comprehensive policies on critical social issues within the Labour Party framework.
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