More Support Gay Law Reform, Says Poll (Press, 9 July 1985)

Support for homosexual law reform in New Zealand has increased, according to a poll conducted by the Heylen Research Centre and released on 9 July 1985. The poll surveyed a random sample of individuals aged over 15 from both urban areas and small towns. Findings indicated that 54.3 per cent of respondents believed that the law should permit homosexual acts between consenting adults in private. This figure marks a 3.6 per cent rise from a similar poll conducted in April. The poll also explored public sentiment regarding the legalisation of homosexual acts based on age. When asked if there should be any specific age at which such acts should be legal, support for reform jumped to 61 per cent, reflecting a significant increase of 14 per cent since April. Notably, the most substantial rise in support was found among individuals aged 55 and older, particularly men in this age group, with approval ratings increasing from 34 per cent to 49 per cent. Additionally, the poll revealed heightened support for reform among residents of smaller towns, including Huntly, Matamata, towns in the Kapiti borough near Wellington, and Rangiora. Ms Fran Wilde, the Member of Parliament for Wellington Central, interpreted the results as evidence that the public are not being swayed by a vocal minority opposed to the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. She pointed out that despite a significant and well-funded opposition campaign based on fear and misunderstanding, there is a growing trend towards rational analysis of the issue among the public. Wilde noted that there were no demographic groups—whether by geography or age—with a majority in opposition to the bill, emphasising that support is increasing among traditionally conservative groups. In response, Joe Simmons from the Coalition of Concerned Christians acknowledged the increase in support for reform but insisted the opposition remains vigorous and that the battle was far from over. He rejected the notion that opposition was simply rooted in fear or misinformation, instead claiming the proponents of reform were the ones misled. Simmons expressed concern over the implications of decriminalising homosexual acts, referencing the spread of AIDS in San Francisco as evidence that reform could exacerbate health issues. Simmons also highlighted the political implications of the debate, asserting that the voting on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill would ultimately rest with politicians rather than the general public who participated in the poll. He cited that about 750,000 New Zealanders had signed a petition against the reform, disputing that some signatories were very young, which Wilde had mentioned as an argument against the petition's legitimacy. He ended with a challenge for Wilde to disclose the identities of individuals sending her disrespectful letters, indicating a continuing conflict between supporters and opponents of the reform in the lead up to the potential legislative changes.

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