Post-primary Teachers Support Reform Bill (Press, 21 June 1985)

On 21 June 1985, the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) in New Zealand stated that a male teacher who engaged in sexual relations with a male pupil would face job loss, even if legal changes permitted consensual sex between males aged over 16. The association clarified that this policy would equally apply to heterosexual relationships between teachers and students over the age of consent. The PPTA, representing 13,000 members, presented its stance to the Parliament’s Statutes Revision Committee, which was considering the Homosexual Law Reform Bill aimed at decriminalising sexual activities between consenting adult males aged over 16. In its submission, the PTOA expressed support for the bill, arguing that current laws created a legal barrier for teachers and highlighted the inequality in how sexual behaviour was legislated for men and boys compared to women and girls. The association sought to eliminate such discrimination. During the presentation, PPTA president Mr Tony Steele addressed concerns regarding a petition against the bill circulating on school grounds, indicating that children might have been misled into signing it due to language suggesting it was a “health petition.” Steele noted that children could be influenced to sign such petitions by adults in authoritative positions, raising concerns about the integrity of the process. Moreover, the New Zealand Association of Social Workers contributed to the discussion, stating that a prevalent argument against decriminalisation was the fear of homosexual assaults on children. However, they pointed out that evidence showed that young girls were more frequently victims of sexual assault, predominantly by heterosexual males. They advocated for setting the age of consent at 16 for all genders, arguing that differing age limits would lead to increased legal scrutiny and intervention against homosexual males aged between 16 and the determined age of consent. Additionally, the association highlighted the existence of discrimination against homosexuals in recruitment policies, particularly within the social work domain. They noted that in the Probation Service, managers were instructed to closely question applicants about their sexual orientation if they were over 30 and unmarried. Furthermore, it was stated that the employment of homosexual and lesbian social workers in residential settings faced prohibitions, revealing the broader societal challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals encountered in professional environments. This conversation on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill and its implications showcased a critical turning point in New Zealand's approach to homosexuality and the rights of individuals within the education and social work sectors. The associations involved called for greater equality and the dismantling of discriminatory practices that affected both educators and social workers.

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