Conscience Vote By M.P.s (Press, 8 March 1985)

On 8 March 1985, it was reported that the New Zealand Parliament has reached an agreement allowing individual members to decide their stance on proposed homosexual law reform without party discipline. This development enables members to vote and speak according to their personal beliefs. Ms Fran Wilde, serving as the Junior Government Whip, intends to introduce the legislation through her role as a private member of Parliament rather than as a government initiative. Opposing the reform, Mr Graeme Lee, National’s spokesman on internal affairs, initially issued a public statement expressing disapproval before adjusting his stance to clarify that his opposition reflected personal views and not those of the National Party. Following Ms Wilde's announcement regarding her bill, Mr Lee expressed concerns that a significant number of government members appear to support the proposed liberalisation of laws regarding homosexual activity. He warned that such legislative changes could degrade the moral standards of society and negatively impact youth, calling on what he referred to as "the sleeping majority" to take action against the reform. Members of the government who disagree with Mr Lee's characterisation of party support for the bill have expressed outrage. Labour member Mr Allan Wallbank pointed out that Mr Lee's assertions were incorrect, emphasizing that the legislation is a private bill and does not have explicit backing from the government or all its members. Meanwhile, the Gay Taskforce, advocating for LGBTQ rights, expressed enthusiasm for the bill and for the positive response it has garnered among several Parliament members. Spokesman Mr Bill Logan stated that the proposed legislation aims to align the legal treatment of homosexual activity with that of heterosexual activity. He argued that differentiation under the law contributes to prejudice and fear, leading to adverse outcomes such as unstable marriages and increased challenges in controlling diseases like AIDS. The Gay Taskforce highlighted the importance of establishing an equal age of consent of 16, asserting that anything less would lack effectiveness and exacerbate existing issues. This situation illustrates a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding LGBTQ rights and legal reform in New Zealand in the mid-1980s.

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