Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 17 April 1985)

On 17 April 1985, various letters to the editor were published in response to a rally held in Cathedral Square to oppose the Homosexual Law Reform Bill in New Zealand. Bert Walker, a supporter of the pro-reform group, was accused of misinterpreting the protestors' intentions during the singing of the National Anthem. Arron Baker argued that the moral conservatives, whom Walker supported, were appropriating the anthem for their own prejudiced agenda, drawing parallels to historical oppression during World War II. Baker asserted that a new kind of man is emerging, one that prioritises compassion over the harsh attitudes embodied by the so-called "real men" at the rally. Conversely, Ted Hicks expressed satisfaction with the Christian community's strong opposition to the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, warning that legalising homosexuality would lead to societal corruption akin to the dangers posed by alcohol and tobacco. He expressed concerns that young people would be negatively influenced if the reform passed. Neville M. Rush provided an account of the previous Sunday’s rally, describing the homosexual community’s actions as disruptive and disrespectful towards the invited speakers. He characterised their behaviour as anarchic and accused the National Council of Churches of supporting a form of theology that endorses social upheaval, expressing the view that genuine Christians should stand against these movements to protect traditional values. Ray Spring noted the continuous protest presence at rallies defending traditional values, suggesting that if such rallies occurred regularly, the persistent demonstrators could inadvertently find themselves exposed to Christian teachings, potentially leading to fewer social issues, such as crime and vandalism. John Canham commented on the contrasting reactions at the rally, where a solemnity fell over the crowd during discussions about AIDS, illustrating humanity's complex nature in the face of social acceptance pursuits. Canham conveyed a hope that the Homosexual Law Reform Bill would not pass, citing concerns for the wellbeing of homosexuals, youth, and the broader family structure within society. Finally, Kenneth Ong critiqued a statement made by MP Graeme Lee, who referenced Dr Robert Gallo’s estimates related to AIDS to argue against legalising homosexuality. Ong contended that Lee misrepresented Gallo's work and stressed the absence of scientific consensus about the morality of homosexuality, questioning the logic behind limiting sexual partners rather than targeting sexual orientation itself. The letters highlight the intensifying debate surrounding the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, revealing deep societal divisions over issues of morality, rights, and acceptance in New Zealand during this period.

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