Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 24 June 1985)

On June 19, 1985, Tony Steele, president of the New Zealand Post-Primary Teachers’ Association (P.P.T.A.), publicly declared the association's support for the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Steele argued that he represented the views of his members based on existing policies promoting equal opportunity and respect for minority groups. However, Gerry Brownlee, a P.P.T.A. member, challenged Steele's assertion, stating that the broader membership had not been consulted on such a controversial topic. Brownlee expressed his disagreement, suggesting that Steele lacked the mandate to voice opinions that pertain to moral issues with significant implications. In response to the rising opposition against the bill, Ian Rowland and Yvonne Holmes highlighted the alarming number of nearly one million signatures gathered against it, equating the misinformation spread by opponents to historical propaganda used to justify the persecution of homosexuals. They condemned the hypocrisy of those who argue against the bill while being indifferent to serious societal issues such as rape and incest, which involve a lack of consent. Mark D. Sadler, a critic of the proposed law reform, suggested increasing the age of consent to 20 to alleviate pressure on young men from homosexuals. Erick W. Black refuted Sadler's viewpoint, arguing that such a stance fails to consider the needs and feelings of young homosexual men. He emphasised that the legal acceptance of homosexuality could potentially lead to improved societal attitudes, alleviating distress for both homosexuals and heterosexuals. John G. Freeman emerged as a voice against the bill, positing that the Homosexual Law Reform Bill would usher in an excessively permissive society, which he associated with family breakdown and increased venereal diseases. Freeman urged society to reject the bill, claiming that a courageous stand could restore societal values. Overall, the debate surrounding the Homosexual Law Reform Bill was marked by polarising opinions among members of the P.P.T.A. and broader society. The discussions encapsulated varying beliefs about moral values, personal freedoms, and the societal implications of legal reforms regarding homosexuality in New Zealand.

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