‘Message To Bigots’ In Reform Of Gay Law (Press, 10 July 1989)
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Summary: ‘Message To Bigots’ In Reform Of Gay Law (Press, 10 July 1989)
On 10 July 1989, Fran Wilde, a Member of Parliament who played a pivotal role in passing the Homosexual Law Reform Act in 1986, spoke in Wellington, reflecting on the outcomes of the law reform. She asserted that the reform had not led to the moral decay that some detractors had feared, dismissing claims that New Zealand had become akin to a "modern-day Sodom." Wilde's comments were directed at those who opposed the reform out of ignorance, fear, and religious prejudice. She noted that the societal shift towards accepting homosexual rights had revealed significant conservatism and misunderstanding in New Zealand, highlighting the long and challenging journey to achieve reform. Throughout this process, Wilde indicated that various legal milestones had contributed to fostering a more enlightened society. She pointed out that a majority of New Zealanders now recognised the righteousness of the movement, affirming that gay men and lesbians deserved equal treatment under the law, similar to their heterosexual counterparts. Wilde emphasised the substantial positive changes in the lives of gay men and lesbians, particularly in terms of improved self-esteem, which resulted from extensive campaigning and national education efforts. She remarked on the emergence of gay and lesbian networks from previously marginalised and underground settings, now openly visible even in smaller provinces. Additionally, she mentioned that governmental bodies were also experiencing shifts, notably within the Health Department, which had begun to address the public health threat of AIDS. Although she acknowledged that this was merely the beginning, Wilde expressed optimism that each gained acceptance would contribute to a richer and more inclusive society for all New Zealanders.
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