Petition Arrives Amid Bitterness (Press, 25 September 1985)

A heated debate unfolded in the grounds of the New Zealand Parliament on 24 September 1985, as a substantial petition against the Homosexual Law Reform Bill was presented, gathering over 800,000 signatures, a record for any issue in the country. The presentation saw around 700 supporters of the petition, who were vocal in their opposition to the proposed law, singing hymns and carrying banners proclaiming their message. They highlighted their claim that “the people have spoken” and demanded recognition of the signatures collected. In contrast, a group of about 200 activists supporting the reform expressed their disagreement with loud chants and songs, underscoring their stance with signs questioning the authenticity of the petition's signatures. The demonstration saw a police presence, and 23 individuals were arrested for breaches of the peace, many of whom were part of the opposition crowd. The petition was ceremoniously handed over in 95 boxes, emphasising themes of nationalism and family values, with petition leaders stressing the grassroots movement against the bill. The event featured prominent figures from the anti-reform camp, who warned politicians to heed the overwhelming disapproval from their constituents. They vowed to continue gathering signatures until they reached even higher numbers, suggesting that no amount of opposition would deter their commitment to halting the legislation. As the petitions were delivered to the Speaker of the House, the atmosphere was fraught with tension, as members of the public expressed their views vocally. The bill's sponsor, Fran Wilde, raised concerns about the petition's integrity, citing rampant fraud and misconduct in how signatures were collected, noting an influx of correspondence describing irregularities. Furthermore, the Anglican Church officially supported decriminalising homosexuality, arguing against the notion that opposition to the bill was a predominantly Christian standpoint. They highlighted the damaging effects of intolerance, advocating for love and forgiveness in alignment with Christ's teachings. While they agreed with certain aspects of the bill, they suggested exemptions for religious groups concerning discrimination against homosexuals in employment, echoing concerns about imposing particular moralities on individuals or organisations. Debate surrounding the age of consent for homosexual acts also emerged, with the Church recommending an alignment with heterosexual norms to combat inequality. There was an acknowledgment within the Church that while they opposed discrimination, they believed religious institutions should retain some discretion in matters of employment and theological education regarding active homosexuals. Overall, the events signalled a significant societal rift over the proposed Homosexual Law Reform Bill, illuminating the clash between deeply held religious and conservative values versus evolving attitudes towards homosexuality and human rights within New Zealand society.

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