Complaint On 'gay’ Tv Programme Rejected (Press, 27 November 1986)
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Summary: Complaint On 'gay’ Tv Programme Rejected (Press, 27 November 1986)
On 27 November 1986, it was reported that the Broadcasting Tribunal in New Zealand had dismissed a complaint filed by the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards concerning a television programme titled “Growing Up Gay in Godzone.” The programme, which aired on TV2 in August 1985 as part of the “Viewfinder” series aimed at young adults, featured young individuals discussing their experiences of being gay in New Zealand. Miss Patricia Bartlett, the secretary of the society, characterised the programme as a “blatant misuse and exploitation of young people” intended to promote the perspectives of the homosexual community, which she described as a “perverted lifestyle”. The society argued that the participants were merely expressing typical sexual preferences for their own sex suitable for their age, and accused the programme of bias by labelling these preferences as “perversion”. Moreover, Miss Bartlett claimed that the programme did not present a counter viewpoint, thereby distorting the discussion around homosexuality. In response, the tribunal determined that the programme neutrally explored the sentiments of young people who identify as gay, stating it did not take a pro- or anti-homosexual stance. The tribunal asserted that there was no indication of bias in the way suggested by the complainant, highlighting that multiple perspectives on human development exist and that what the society viewed as “normal and natural” is not universally applicable. The tribunal maintained that the absence of heterosexual viewpoints was acceptable, as the participants were discussing their own feelings and experiences, which is valid in its own right. Ultimately, the tribunal concluded that the programme addressed a sensitive topic with “sensitivity and perception,” indicating its recognition of the complexities involved in discussing such subjects.
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