Concern About Homosexuals’ Custody Claims (Press, 9 April 1986)

On 9 April 1986, the Equal Parental Rights Society in New Zealand expressed strong opposition to the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, suggesting that homosexuality and lesbianism should be deemed criminal in child custody cases. The society's secretary, Patrick Conroy, articulated that many people believe children need protection from what he termed "perverted concepts of human behaviour." He claimed that there is no acceptable authority backing the idea of homosexuality as a valid lifestyle, particularly concerning the influence on children. Conroy voiced concerns that the proposed reforms could lead to High Court custody decisions favoring practising homosexuals, an outcome which has alarmed many members of the society, particularly the female members and fathers whose children have previously been awarded to admitted lesbians by High Court judges. He cited recent rulings where Family Court decisions denying custody to admitted lesbians were overturned by the High Court, highlighting that judges ruled lesbianism is not a criminal offence. This situation posed, according to Conroy, a formidable challenge to the society’s interests when it comes to custody cases involving children. The society does not support the Homosexual Law Reform Bill and believes that when children are involved, lesbianism should be treated as a criminal matter. Conroy's comments reflect a broader societal tension regarding the evolving perceptions of sexual orientation and family rights within the legal framework of New Zealand during this period.

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