Homosexual Law Bill 'could Wreck’ Chances In... (Press, 27 May 1985)

At a Labour Party conference held in Palmerston North on 25 May 1985, Geoff Braybrooke, the MP for Napier, expressed concerns that the proposed homosexual law reform could jeopardise the Labour Party's chances in the upcoming Timaru by-election. Braybrooke, a prominent opponent of Fran Wilde's reform bill, referred to the proposal as the "kiss of death in a provincial town." His remarks came during discussions on two remits concerning sexual orientation discrimination and the criminalisation of same-sex acts. One remit urged the government to amend the Human Rights Commission Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, while the other sought to revise the Crimes Act to legalise consensual sexual acts between males aged over 16. Braybrooke argued that these remits would not influence public opinion positively in New Zealand, citing a poll in Napier where 74 per cent of respondents opposed any changes to existing laws. He believed that the support for the reforms might hinder Labour's candidate, Jan Walker, in the Timaru election. Despite Braybrooke's opposition, the conference, attended by approximately 100 delegates, overwhelmingly passed both remits in favour of reform. Braybrooke also sought support for a Royal commission and a referendum on the issue but was unsuccessful in that endeavour. Additionally, there was tension at the conference between Braybrooke and Annette King, the MP for Horowhenua, over the Ministry of Defence base at Tangimoana. King advocated for an investigation into the base and the assurance that data from the base would not be shared with nuclear powers. Braybrooke countered by referencing reassurances from Prime Minister David Lange and Defence Minister O'Flynn regarding the base’s operations. Ultimately, the remit calling for an investigation was adopted. The conference also narrowly approved a remit that called on the government to establish a peace tax. However, a proposal seeking research into coping with a nuclear winter was rejected by the delegates. The discussions reflected a broader national debate over homosexual law reform and defence policies, showcasing divisions within the Labour Party concerning these contentious issues.

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