Backlog Clouds Petitions’ Future (Press, 17 November 1989)

On 17 November 1989, Peter Luke reported from Wellington about a significant increase in anti-abortion petitions being presented in New Zealand's Parliament. The article highlights a contrasting approach to petitioning by different groups on contentious social issues. Opponents of the Homosexual Law Reform have launched a massive petition with hundreds of thousands of signatures, describing their strategy as a "big bang." Meanwhile, supporters of Radio Rhema have adopted a "scatter-gun" approach, submitting multiple smaller petitions. In a notable development, the anti-Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Amendment Bill camp has seen petitions against the bill swell dramatically, reaching 609 petitions in a short span. This surge has raised concerns about the practicalities of presenting petitions within parliamentary sessions, as the duration for addressing them has extended significantly, prompting Speaker Mr Burke to signal that changes may need to be made to this process. The article provides an insightful look into the ritual of presenting petitions in Parliament, noting that such activities are typically conducted before question time, providing members with a brief interlude. However, the sudden influx of petitions has disrupted this routine, pushing the time allocated for presentations from a few minutes to as much as half an hour. This change threatens to alter the traditional format and efficiency of discussing petitions in the House. Specific instances illustrate the challenges faced during the presentation of these petitions. Opposition spokesman Mr John Banks faced criticism after mistakenly voicing his support for several petitions, which is against parliamentary rules. Members typically must remain neutral and describe the act of presenting a petition with specified phrasing, which adds nuance to the process. Junior Government Whip Mr Trevor Mallard, in a show of diligence and perhaps defiance, personally addressed each of his 43 petitions against the bill. His method sparked debate and even amusement among his colleagues, while drawing ire from the Opposition. The article encapsulates the growing tensions around the contentious C.S.A. Amendment Bill, showcasing the increasingly fervent political climate around issues of personal and societal morality in New Zealand. The scene in Parliament reflects the complexities of democratic engagement and the parliamentary process, as well as the diverse strategies employed by various groups in their fight against or support of legislation affecting reproductive rights.

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