Moral Groups Plan Coalition (Press, 23 August 1985)

On 23 August 1985, reports emerged from Auckland regarding the formation of a coalition of moral groups and Pentecostal churches aiming to replace liberal members of Parliament with those who support traditional values. The initial plans were discussed at a meeting in Auckland, chaired by Mr Keith Hay, a noted opponent of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, alongside Mr Barry Reed, the press officer for the bill's opposition. This coalition strategy stemmed from successful tactics employed against the Homosexual Law Reform Bill and earlier campaigns related to the United Nations women's convention and women's rights forum. The coalition's expansive agenda aims to address various societal issues, including sex education and abortion, alongside the specific concerns raised by the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Attendees at the Christchurch conference, which facilitated the coalition's conception, included representatives from various church organisations, the Concerned Parents Association, the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child, and Women for Life, along with influential figures such as Mr John Massam, editor of the Christian newspaper “Challenge Weekly.” The facilitator of the coalition, Mr Joe Simmons, a 70-year-old retired evangelical missionary, expressed that he viewed the Homosexual Law Reform Bill as a manifestation of moral decline, sparking his motivation to galvanize support for conservative values. Simmons posited that the coalition would serve as a unifying resource for groups campaigning on moral issues, citing the 800,000 petition signatories as evidence of a substantial need for cohesive leadership. The coalition's objectives include providing resources, speakers, and support for campaigns aimed at countering perceived moral decay. Mr Reed conveyed the vision of a powerful coalition capable of influencing parliamentary elections by unseating MPs who support liberal legislation, viewing the extensive petition as indicative of a significant historical movement within New Zealand that politicians have yet to fully acknowledge. Reed articulated a commitment to halting what he referred to as “immoral legislation” and emphasized the determination of the coalition to mobilise forces across the country. The steering committee plans to gather interest from various groups nationwide, formulate concrete proposals, and ultimately create a robust, unstoppable movement advocating for traditional moral values.

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