Labour Warned Of ‘right-wing Fundamentalists’ (Press, 31 August 1985)

During the Labour Party's annual conference held in Christchurch on 30 August 1985, President Margaret Wilson warned attendees about a concerted effort by New Zealand's Right-wing fundamentalists, claiming they were mirroring their American counterparts by establishing a front organisation. Wilson highlighted that the fundamentalists had typically focused on moral issues but were now broadening their scope, specifically targeting the Government's anti-nuclear stance. She drew connections between local fundamentalists and the American Moral Majority, an influential group backing President Reagan’s pro-nuclear policies. Wilson noted that many anti-homosexual reform materials circulating in New Zealand had origins in the United States. Fran Wilde, MP for Wellington Central and a proponent of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, voiced concerns regarding the influence of American Right-wing groups in New Zealand. She asserted that these organisations had openly threatened to target local politicians and suggested that several New Zealand activists had received training in propaganda techniques in the United States. Wilde contended that a coalition of Right-wing fundamentalists was forming locally, driven in part by the League of Rights, which had spearheaded campaigns against progressive policymaking. Wilde expressed apprehension about how various fringe groups, such as concerned parents’ associations, were the result of similar extremist factions, positing that these groups would manipulate individuals advocating for single issues to serve their broader agendas against the Labour Government. She remarked on the emotional appeal of the homosexual law reform issue, stating that those in challenging economic situations often resort to scapegoating visible minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minorities, and women seeking employment. Responding to these allegations, National Party Leader Mr McLay dismissed claims that his party had sought support from fundamentalist groups. He asserted that the National Party did not rely on such alliances and denied any direct engagement with them. However, Labour MP Geoffrey Braybrooke challenged the notion of a link between New Zealand fundamentalists and the Moral Majority, arguing that many Labour members opposed the homosexual law reform and suggesting that attributing their views to a new Right-wing coalition was unfounded. Braybrooke acknowledged that the discourse around the homosexual law reform bill was polarising society and political parties in New Zealand. He warned that continued advocacy for policies contrary to Christian doctrines might pave the way for the emergence of a new political party reminiscent of Christian Democratic parties abroad. Braybrooke observed a growing unease regarding homosexual law reform and other liberal initiatives being pushed by certain politicians, predicting that these sentiments could potentially lead disenchanted constituents to align with an emerging opposition party possessing similar ideologies. In summary, the conference underscored a clash between progressive and conservative elements within New Zealand politics, particularly in relation to the proposed homosexual law reforms and the evolving role of Right-wing fundamentalist groups.

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