‘Women’s Priority To Support Gay Rights’ (Press, 3 June 1985)

On 3 June 1985, Ros Noonan, an organiser of the International Women’s Year in 1975, stated that advocating for homosexual law reform is now a crucial focus for the women’s movement. Speaking at a Talkback session in Christchurch during the Women’s Decade Festival, Noonan highlighted the similarities between the fight for homosexual law reform and the goals of the women's movement. Approximately 100 women attended the discussion, which concluded with a significant resolution supporting the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Noonan emphasised the importance of allowing individuals to choose their own lifestyles and sexuality, framing it as part of the broader pursuit of human rights and the aim to provide equality of opportunity. She called for a fair distribution of the nation’s resources to women, asserting that essential services for women, like rape crisis centres and refuges, often struggle to secure funding while less meaningful activities receive substantial financial support. To foster women's advancement in the workplace, Noonan advocated for practical changes such as improved childcare, paid parental leave, a reduced working week, and the sharing of jobs. She critiqued the existing work structure, which she argued is designed primarily for male workers who have support from women at home, noting that many women in the workforce experience significant stress by juggling multiple responsibilities. Noonan argued that opposition to the homosexual law reform bill comes from the same groups that resist women's equality, seeking to confine women to limited roles. The session also included a panel discussion reflecting on the trajectory of the women’s movement after a decade of initiatives. Participants expressed frustration that despite notable achievements over the past ten years, many core issues remain unresolved. Noonan pointed out that while women have made strides, the response from those in power has been minimal, leaving many of the victories vulnerable. She insisted that women must persist in their efforts to secure equality in all areas of life, allowing them to manage family, community involvement, and work similarly to men. She stressed the need for economic issues, such as housing, healthcare, and fuel costs, to remain in the public realm to enhance women's influence and participation. Noonan also noted a significant development in recognising longstanding societal myths concerning classlessness and racial equality in New Zealand, underlining the importance of supporting Māori and Polynesian women, as well as combating racism, to eliminate broader discrimination against women. The session concluded with Noonan asserting that women must have access to basic necessities—like secure housing, adequate food, and good health standards—if they are to effectively advocate for any further rights or reforms. She firmly stated that without these fundamental provisions, the women's movement cannot hope to progress.

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