Funds For Lesbians Defended By Minister (Press, 5 July 1986)

On 5 July 1986, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Mrs Hercus, defended the allocation of taxpayers' funds amounting to $1,880 to three lesbian organisations amidst scrutiny from Opposition MPs in Parliament. The grants were sourced from the Ministry’s project fund, and were as follows: $500 was awarded to Lesbians in Print to support the publication of a magazine, $380 was given to a community radio programme aimed at lesbians, and $1,000 was allocated to an Auckland group focused on establishing self-help organisations for lesbians dealing with alcohol and drug abuse. Mrs Hercus highlighted that similar financial support had been provided under the previous National Government, responding to National MPs' demands for specifics on the earlier grants. In response, she presented documented evidence in Parliament illustrating prior funding provided during the 1980-82 period, including $280 granted to the Lesbian Mothers Collective for regional workshops and $200 to the Lesbian Mothers Defence Fund for a pamphlet regarding custody issues for lesbian mothers. During the parliamentary session, Mrs Hercus outlined that the current grants were awarded by an independent eight-member committee, which included representatives reflecting various backgrounds such as rural, disabled, Maori, Pacific Island, church, and trade union women, in addition to established women's organisations. The focus for funding was on promoting equal opportunities for women and assisting groups that lacked government support from other sources. When questioned by Mr Paul East, the MP for Rotorua, about the operational structures of the recipient organisations, Mrs Hercus stated that applicants must have a formal structure which included an accountable treasurer, with most being registered incorporated societies or trusts. Additionally, answering Dr Bill Sutton’s inquiry about the representation of lesbians within women's organisations, she acknowledged that due to the percentage of women who identify as lesbian, it follows that women's organisations would statistically include lesbian members, referencing the former MP for Waipa as an example of inclusion in Parliament.

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