‘Gay’ Bill Passes Second Reading (Press, 14 November 1985)

On 13 November 1985, the Homosexual Law Reform Bill achieved a significant milestone as it passed its crucial second reading in the New Zealand House of Representatives, garnering a vote of 47 to 32. This private member's bill, introduced in March, has sparked intense debate and division both within Parliament and in the wider public sphere over the past eight months. It has also generated substantial public interest, reflected in a large number of submissions to a select committee and what is said to be the largest petition ever presented to Parliament.

The primary aim of the bill is to decriminalise consenting sexual activities between males aged 16 and above. In addition to this, it seeks to protect children under 16 and to amend the Human Rights Commission Act to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation. Despite its recent success, the bill faces further scrutiny as it needs to progress through additional stages, including potential amendments that may raise the age limit and attempts to modify or eliminate its provisions concerning the Human Rights Commission.

During the ongoing debate, which witnessed a significant turnout in the public galleries, supporters of the bill aimed to expedite the voting process. In a prior session, a prominent opponent, Mr Norman Jones from the National Party in Invercargill, had suggested an amendment to postpone the bill's second reading for an entire year. On the evening of the vote, as discussions resumed, both supporters and adversaries gathered to assess their standing and voting counts.

Mr Jones expressed strong reservations about the bill, claiming it would make New Zealand a "mecca for homosexuals." However, in a decisive moment during the debate, the Speaker, Dr Wall, called for a vote to conclude the discussion. The outcome showed considerable support for closing the debate, with a decisive 56-20 vote in favour. Following this, Mr Jones' amendment to defer the vote on the second reading was soundly defeated, with a count of 26 in favour and 53 against. Finally, the members proceeded to vote on the second reading itself, culminating in a successful passage of the bill.

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