Voter Backlash Not Expected (Press, 11 July 1986)
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Summary: Voter Backlash Not Expected (Press, 11 July 1986)
On 11 July 1986, Dr Bill Sutton, the Labour member of Parliament for Hawke’s Bay, expressed confidence that his support for legalised homosexuality would not negatively impact his chances for re-election. He stated that his personal surveys indicated a desire for reform among constituents. Dr Sutton believed that, in the years to come, people would reflect on the issue and question the controversy surrounding it. His remarks were made in Wellington and came in response to concerns that MPs backing homosexual law reform, especially those in competitive electorates like Hawke’s Bay, might suffer at the polls. Dr Sutton had recently proposed a compromise that aimed to delay the legality of anal intercourse until individuals reached the age of 18, but this amendment was decisively defeated with a vote of 68 against and only 18 in favour. He remarked that proponents of the bill were aware they had sufficient support to pass the legislation without any modifications. Consequently, they opted to pursue the passage of the bill in its current form rather than risk sending it back for further committee consideration. Despite his disappointment over the rejection of the compromise, Dr Sutton expressed satisfaction that the bill had ultimately been passed.
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