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Summary: Hymn-singers Drown Out Protesters (Press, 15 April 1985)
On 15 April 1985, a public church service at Aranui High School, intended to discuss the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, was disrupted by a group of approximately 50 protesters advocating for the bill, which aims to legalise homosexual acts between consenting adults. The event featured guest speaker Mr Graham Lee, a member of Parliament for Hauraki and known opponent of the proposed legislation. The gathering, which attracted over 900 attendees from various Christian denominations including Baptist, Brethren, Methodist, Maori Evangelical, Pentecostal, and charismatic churches, was met with a noisy protest as the demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Christians for Tolerance," "Support the bill," "Fascists," and "Sieg Heil." The atmosphere became tense, but the meeting continued as attendees sang hymns to drown out the protesters' chants. The police intervened, escorting three protesters from the venue, and arrested one woman outside for using obscene language. Pastor Peter Driscoll, who organised the service as part of the Burwood Christian Fellowship church group, described the event as a “tremendous victory” for the Christian community. He emphasised that the main goal of the meeting was to spread the Gospel and highlighted the significance of having over 900 people present to hear “God’s word”. Pastor Driscoll clarified that the church's stance was not one of animosity towards homosexual individuals, stating their willingness to assist any homosexual seeking guidance toward what they view as a proper Christian lifestyle. He acknowledged that while the protesters’ behaviour was disruptive, it could inadvertently spark important discussions among those attending. He expressed compassion for the demonstrators, referring to them as being in a "deceived and deluded state" and offered to provide help to any of them. At the conclusion of the service, petitions opposing the Homosexual Law Reform Bill were made available for attendees to sign. The event highlighted the ongoing societal tensions surrounding issues of homosexuality and the push for reform in New Zealand legislation at the time.
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