Gays Speak Out On Murder Inquiry (Press, 13 February 1989)
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Summary: Gays Speak Out On Murder Inquiry (Press, 13 February 1989)
On 13 February 1989, the Gays and Lesbians Against Discrimination Organisation (Glad) made a public appeal for information regarding the murder of Peter Plumley-Walker, a 51-year-old cricket umpire whose body was discovered in the Waikato River, downstream from the Huka Falls, a week prior. Following the disclosure of Plumley-Walker's homosexuality, Glad urged anyone with knowledge of the case, especially within the gay community, to come forward. A spokesman for Glad, Paul Kinder, highlighted the lack of trust between gay individuals and the police, attributing this distrust to the police's historical anti-gay policies and attitudes. He expressed concerns that the negative reaction to Plumley-Walker's sexual orientation could further dissuade gay individuals from providing vital information to law enforcement. The psychology behind the appeal was intensified by evidence from Radio New Zealand, which indicated that Plumley-Walker led a "double" life, suggesting complexities in his character that contrasted with his socially accepted role as a senior figure in cricket. Reports revealed that he had a criminal record dating back to 1986, when he was convicted of an offence for committing an indecent act. His prior conviction included a fine of $400 and $35 in costs, suggesting that any assumptions made about his life and character could be misleading. Kinder expressed concern that the police's discovery of Plumley-Walker's homosexuality might skew their investigation, prompting a focus on his sexual orientation rather than a thorough examination of the murder itself. He called for the investigation to be approached like any other homicide, regardless of the victim's sexuality. Kinder emphasised that it was essential for law enforcement to shift away from viewing gay men solely as victims, urging a more nuanced understanding of the murder that could involve various motives or potential suspects. As the case unfolds, the involvement of the gay community in seeking justice for Plumley-Walker represents a significant moment in addressing the broader issues of trust and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals in New Zealand, particularly in light of how they are treated within the justice system.
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