How M.P.s Voted (Press, 21 April 1986)
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Summary: How M.P.s Voted (Press, 21 April 1986)
On 21 April 1986, New Zealand's Parliament held a significant vote regarding the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, specifically Part Two of the legislation, which aimed to prohibit discrimination against homosexual individuals. The vote highlighted a substantial division among Members of Parliament (MPs) over issues related to sexual orientation and civil rights. A number of MPs opposed the bill, with notable figures from the National and Labour parties voting against it. Those who voted against included National Party members such as Mr Derek Angus, Mr Neil Austin, Mr John Banks, and Mr Jim Bolger, among others. Several Labour MPs, including Mrs Margaret Austin and Mr Geoff Braybrooke, also opposed the bill. In total, a considerable number of MPs from various political affiliations expressed their disapproval, reflecting a significant faction that resisted changes to the legal status of homosexual individuals at that time. Conversely, a robust group of Labour MPs supported the reform, advocating for the rights of homosexuals in New Zealand. Prominent supporters included Mr Jim Anderton, Ms Helen Clark, and Mr David Lange, all representing Labour. The assembly of votes in favour indicated a strong push towards greater legal recognition and protection for homosexual individuals, marking a progressive shift in social attitudes that the bill represented. The outcome of this vote was emblematic of the ongoing societal shifts and contentious debates surrounding homosexuality in New Zealand during the mid-1980s, a time characterised by evolving perspectives on equality and rights. The results reflected both the divisions within the legislature and the change that was beginning to take root in New Zealand society, laying the groundwork for further advancements in LGBTQ+ rights in the years to come.
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