Voting Figures On Reform Bill (Press, 28 November 1985)
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Summary: Voting Figures On Reform Bill (Press, 28 November 1985)
On 28 November 1985, the Press published the names of MPs who voted in favour, against or abstained from voting on the second reading of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. The bill, which aims to reform laws relating to homosexual conduct, received support from a significant number of Labour Party members as well as some from the National Party. Notably, prominent supporters included Mr J. P. Anderton from Sydenham, Mrs M. Austin from Yaldhurst, and Dr M. Cullen from St Kilda, all representing Labour. Other Labour MPs such as Ms H. E. Clark and Mr P. B. Goff also indicated their support for the bill's second reading.
In contrast, a number of National Party members voted against the bill, including Mr D. Angus from Wallace, Mr W. R. Austin from Bay of Islands, and Mr J. A. Banks from Whangarei. These votes against the bill underscore a division within Parliament regarding the issue of homosexual law reform, a subject that had been controversial and contentious in New Zealand society.
Additionally, various members were absent from the voting session and did not participate. This included notable figures from both the Labour and National parties. The Speaker of the House, Dr G. A. Wall, also abstained from voting. The gathering and vote represented a significant moment in New Zealand's legislative history as the Parliament began to address and potentially rectify laws and discrimination surrounding homosexuality, reflecting broader societal changes occurring at the time.
The outcome of the voting and the discussions that followed would contribute to an ongoing national conversation about LGBTQ+ rights and societal acceptance in New Zealand. The Homosexual Law Reform Bill was a critical step in challenging the legal inequalities faced by homosexuals in New Zealand, setting the stage for enhanced rights and social equality in future years.
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