Coalition To Hit Labour On Moral Grounds (Press, 9 January 1987)

On 9 January 1987, it was reported that the Coalition of Concerned Citizens, an apolitical group, has explicitly targeted seven Labour Party members of Parliament from Christchurch for opposition due to their support of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill passed the previous year. These members are now in the crosshairs of the coalition, which plans to galvanise the 835,000 signatories of a petition opposing the bill in efforts to unseat them in the upcoming elections. Joe Simmons, the coalition’s national executive chairman based in Christchurch, reaffirmed the group’s claim of being apolitical, stating that it would evaluate candidates based on their moral values rather than their political affiliations. Consequently, while some National Party MPs might evade the coalition's scrutiny, the focus will predominantly remain on Labour candidates. In the coalition’s communication, particularly the December “Coalition Courier,” Simmons warned of the consequences of re-electing Labour, suggesting that they have initiated a trend towards moral decay, which could further worsen if they remain in power. Simmons indicated that it would be challenging for Labour candidates to gain support, as most have backed the controversial Law Reform Bill. He specifically noted the lack of party democracy within Labour, which would hinder coalition-supported candidates from succeeding in selections. The coalition has ruled out the formation of a new political party or running independent candidates, suggesting that supporters should rather align with the National Party or possibly the Democratic Party. While Simmons did not disclose specific numbers regarding the coalition's presence in Christchurch electorates, he mentioned growing support in areas such as Lyttelton, Christchurch North, Avon, St Albans, and Yaldhurst, which are currently represented by Labour MPs with secure majorities. Nonetheless, there is optimism within the National Party regarding their chances in Yaldhurst and Lyttelton in the upcoming elections. Strong backing for the coalition appears to be present within the National Party's Avon electorate, where Mr Warren Smith is the lone candidate nominee. Simmons expressed confidence in the ability to support Smith, as well as James Bacon, the candidate for Yaldhurst. Contrarily, Mr Graham Johnstone, secretary of the Canterbury-Westland division of the National Party, dismissed the notion that the party had been influenced by the coalition or similar “moral majority” groups. While he acknowledged the influx of members from these groups, he maintained that their impact on the Canterbury-Westland division, which comprises over 30,000 members, is minimal. The Coalition of Concerned Citizens, established in late 1984, opened an office in central Christchurch last year, sharing space with other similar organisations such as the Integrity Centre and the Temperance Alliance.

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