‘Help In Fight Against A.I.D.S.’ (Press, 9 March 1985)

On 9 March 1985, the Christchurch Gay Task Force stated that reforming New Zealand's laws on homosexuality would aid in the fight against A.I.D.S. A spokesman for the group highlighted that current laws created an environment of secrecy and anonymity for homosexuals and bisexuals, which obstructed effective public health measures. He asserted that changing the law was in the best interest of the entire community. The introduction of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill in Parliament marked a significant step towards aligning New Zealand's laws with those of other Western democracies. The spokesman pointed out that most Western European countries and several Australian states either reformed their laws regarding male homosexuality or never prohibited it at all. He noted that in England and Wales, laws against male homosexuality were reformed as early as 1967. Medical professionals have underscored the necessity of legal reform to effectively manage A.I.D.S. Dr Pearl Ma, a recognised authority on the disease, indicated during her visit to Christchurch in December 1984 that the laws prohibiting male homosexuality were a substantial barrier in the fight against A.I.D.S. Additionally, Mr David Miller, a New Zealander volunteering with A.I.D.S. patients at St Mary’s Hospital in London, remarked that legalising homosexuality would be the most beneficial action the government could undertake to address the A.I.D.S. crisis.

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