Reaction To Petition (Press, 24 April 1986)
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Summary: Reaction To Petition (Press, 24 April 1986)
In a letter to the editor published on 24 April 1986, S. M. and G. R. Blackmore expressed their discontent with the New Zealand government’s handling of the proposed Homosexual Law Reform Bill. They highlighted a significant disconnect between the stance of the politicians and the wishes of a large portion of the New Zealand population. Approximately 800,000 New Zealanders had reportedly voiced their opposition to the bill, yet their concerns seemed to be largely disregarded by the government. In contrast, the Blackmores pointed out that the Deputy Prime Minister, Geoffrey Palmer, reacted swiftly to a "flood of letters" from 10,232 citizens expressing anxiety over a separate "tough Crime Bill." This led to their frustration, as they felt the voices of the majority were being overlooked while the government prioritised the concerns of a much smaller group. The letter questioned the state of democracy in New Zealand, insinuating that the political leadership was selectively responding to public opinion. Overall, the Blackmores conveyed a sense of disappointment and incredulity regarding the political process related to both bills.
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