Call For 20 P.c. ‘gay’ Seats In House (Press, 22 June 1985)
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Summary: Call For 20 P.c. ‘gay’ Seats In House (Press, 22 June 1985)
On 22 June 1985, during discussions related to the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, a Wellington group named Lesbian Liberation Health made significant proposals to the Statutes Revision Committee. They advocated for the allocation of 20 per cent of Parliament seats to homosexual men and women, asserting that these representatives should possess the authority to veto legislation impacting the homosexual community. The Homosexual Law Reform Bill seeks to decriminalise sexual activities between consenting adult males over the age of 16, and the group expressed support for this legislation. In their submission, they proposed various amendments to enhance the representation and welfare of the lesbian and gay communities. One of their suggestions included the establishment of a lesbian and homosexual electoral roll, which would function similarly to the existing Maori electoral roll. Furthermore, they recommended that all government departments should implement a minimum quota of 10 per cent for the employment of lesbians and homosexuals. The group also urged that 10 per cent of government revenue should be allocated to fund welfare and educational services deemed necessary by the lesbian and gay communities. Additionally, they called for the creation of a tribunal, staffed solely by lesbians and homosexual men, to address complaints related to past discrimination and oppression. This tribunal would have the authority to seek reparations from individuals found guilty of infringing upon homosexual rights. Lastly, the group emphasised the importance of education in workplaces, advocating for all employers to provide training on homosexuality, including the contributions and achievements of lesbians and gay men in society. Overall, the submissions from Lesbian Liberation Health highlight the ongoing fight for equal rights and recognition for the homosexual community in New Zealand during this pivotal time in the legislative process.
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