N.c.c. Out Of Step — Mr Lee (Press, 16 April 1985)
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Summary: N.c.c. Out Of Step — Mr Lee (Press, 16 April 1985)
On 16 April 1985, Mr Graeme Lee, a National Party Member of Parliament for Hauraki, expressed his disappointment at the National Council of Churches' (N.C.C.) stance on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. He stated that the N.C.C.'s views were "entirely out of step" with the sentiments of ordinary churchgoers. Lee has been actively campaigning to gather support for a petition opposing the proposed legislation, which seeks to reform laws regarding homosexuality in New Zealand. He described the N.C.C.'s decision to endorse the homosexual law reform as expected but disappointing. According to Lee, biblical teachings on homosexuality are clear and unequivocal, making it impossible to justify the proposed changes through any liberal interpretations of scripture. He indicated that many members of prominent denominations including Anglican, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches were signing the petition, reflecting their disagreement with their leaders in the N.C.C. Lee also noted that support for the petition was coming from a diverse range of churches, such as the Roman Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Churches of Christ, Brethren Assemblies, Seventh Day Adventists, and Mormons, among others. He emphasised that public sentiment appeared to be overwhelmingly against the legislation, claiming that around 90 percent of people opposed it, as seen through their backing of the petition. In response to the legislation, Lee took issue with Parliament member Ms Fran Wilde, who introduced the bill. He accused her of causing harm to the homosexual movement through her remarks, which characterized the opponents of the legislation as promoting "bigotry and filth." Lee insisted that such rhetoric was misplaced and that the opposition to the proposed law reform was substantial and genuine among the populace.
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