Homosexual Law For Change? (Press, 2 March 1985)

Homosexual law reform aimed at decriminalising homosexual acts between consenting adults is anticipated to be introduced in the New Zealand Parliament in the coming months. The upcoming legislation is expected to be put forward in a conscience vote, allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) to express their individual views on the matter. Although no MP has confirmed who will introduce the bill, Ms Fran Wilde of Wellington Central is widely believed to be the likely candidate, although she has refrained from commenting on the speculation. Early indications from a straw poll of MPs suggest there may be majority support for some form of reform, which could allow the proposal to proceed to a select committee for public submissions and discussion. However, the initiative is expected to face opposition, particularly from conservative elements. Notably, Mr Graeme Lee, a National Party representative from Hauraki, publicly condemned the potential introduction of such a bill, stating it would be “a bad day for this nation in every respect.” Key contentious issues for supporters of decriminalisation revolve around concerns related to the AIDS epidemic and debates over the appropriate age of consent. Current discussions among pro-reform MPs suggest a preference for setting the age of consent at either 18 or 20. In contrast, homosexual rights advocacy groups are insisting on an age of consent of 16, a position that has not gained widespread support in Parliament thus far. One activist associated with the homosexual rights movement circulated a letter to MPs advocating for the decriminalisation of consensual homosexual acts between men aged over 16, urging legislators to "vote for freedom for gays." This advocacy has sparked mixed reactions from MPs, with some expressing discomfort regarding the framing of the argument against conservative viewpoints. The movement for homosexual law reform in New Zealand has been fraught with challenges over the past decade. A previous attempt in 1974-75 by Mr Venn Young, then a National Opposition backbencher, aimed to liberalise homosexuality laws but ultimately failed and led to significant public vilification of Young, who faced ridicule as a result of his advocacy. In subsequent years, both Mr Warren Freer and Ms Wilde have sought to push the agenda for legislative change but have been unable to garner enough parliamentary support, particularly in light of resistance from some within the homosexual rights movement regarding the age of consent. While no specific timeline has been established for the introduction of the legislation this year, there is optimism among Parliament members that the bill is set to make its way to Parliament, marking a potentially significant shift in the legal landscape regarding homosexual rights in New Zealand.

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