Birch Advocates Compulsory Testing (Press, 7 December 1988)
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Summary: Birch Advocates Compulsory Testing (Press, 7 December 1988)
On 7 December 1988, Mr Bill Birch, the Opposition spokesman on immigration, proposed the implementation of compulsory A.I.D.S. testing for homosexual immigrants. This suggestion came in response to the Minister of Immigration, Mr Roger, who had informed Parliament that homosexual immigrants were only required to undergo standard medical testing. Birch expressed his dissatisfaction with this stance, arguing that individuals applying for residency under provisions related to homosexual relationships should be mandated to undergo specific A.I.D.S. testing. He raised concerns about the implications of allowing partners of New Zealand homosexuals to gain residence, suggesting that without these specific health checks, it was problematic to expand opportunities for homosexuals to become residents and access the public health system. Birch’s remarks underscore a call for stricter health regulations concerning homosexual immigrants amid growing debates around immigration and health policies in New Zealand at the time.
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