Journey to Homosexual Law Reform

INTRODUCTION

The journey towards homosexual law reform in Aotearoa New Zealand spanned decades, and was the result of the tireless efforts and activism of tens-of-thousands of people. This timeline highlights some of the key moments leading up to the eventual passage of law reform in 1985–86. While every effort has been made to verify the information on this page, some errors or omissions may still be present. Please contact us if you identify any inaccuracies. This timeline is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, allowing you to copy, adapt and share the material.

Link: Creative Commons License

6 Oct 1893

CRIMINAL CODE TARGETS HOMOSEXUALITY

On 6 October 1893, New Zealand’s Criminal Code Act explicitly outlawed male homosexual activity with the Crimes Against Morality provisions in the newly enacted Criminal Code Act. Even consensual acts between men were deemed indecent assault, punishable by life imprisonment, hard labour, or corporal punishment. Flogging with a cat o' nine tails—a whip designed to tear skin and inflict excruciating pain—was among the brutal penalties.

Link: New Zealand Legal Information Institute

28 Mar 1925

NEWSPAPER TARGETS HOMOSEXUALS

On 28 March 1925, the New Zealand Truth newspaper claimed nearly 20% of New Zealand’s prison population were sexual offenders. The article made particular mention of "homosexualists" in high society and Bohemian art circles. It suggested widespread "deliberate perversion" and criticised the ineffectiveness of harsh penalties like hard labour and flogging. The article offered eugenics-based solutions, including lifelong segregation or surgical operations as remedies.

Link: NZ Truth

1 Nov 1961

CRIMES ACT SLIGHTLY EASES PUNISHMENTS

On 1 November 1961, New Zealand’s updated Crimes Act 1961 replaced the 1908 version, reducing penalties for male homosexual acts. Punishments like flogging, whipping, and life imprisonment with hard labour were replaced by prison terms of up to seven years. Attorney-General Rex Mason had proposed treating these acts as indecent assaults with lighter penalties, but this suggestion was not adopted. The reform reflected growing debate around homosexual law, influenced by the UK’s 1957 Wolfenden Report, which recommended decriminalisation. While significant, these changes highlighted the slow progress towards meaningful legal reform in New Zealand.

Link: New Zealand Legal Information Institute

27 May 1962

DORIAN SOCIETY PIONEERS CHANGE

On 27 May 1962, sixteen men met in Wellington to establish what would become the Dorian Society, New Zealand’s first documented homosexual organisation. Initially, it functioned primarily as a social group, providing a private space where members could be themselves. However, it also formed a legal subcommittee to explore homosexual law reform, which played a crucial role in the establishment of the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society in 1967.

Link: Te Papa

17 Apr 1967

PUSHING FOR LEGAL EQUALITY

On 17 April 1967, about 150 people gathered in Wellington to support the formation of the Wolfenden Association, a group focused on homosexual law reform. Named after Lord Wolfenden, whose UK committee had called for decriminalisation a decade earlier in the United Kingdom, the group soon renamed itself to the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society. They published a pamphlet asserting that over 40,000 homosexual men in New Zealand required "understanding rather than persecution."

Link: The Press

8 Oct 1968

PETITION SPARKS HEATED DEBATE

On 8 October 1968, a petition urging the decriminalisation of homosexual acts between consenting males aged 21 and over was presented in Parliament. Organised by the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society, it was signed by 75 brave individuals, including prominent figures from churches, law, education, and science. MP John Rae praised the signatories’ stature, while opponent MP Robert Talbot argued fear of prosecution was necessary to deter "unnatural activity." MP Martin Finlay countered with a progressive view, suggesting latent homosexuality existed in everyone, "I think it is generally accepted, at least in medical and scientific circles if not publicly, that every one of us has some latent element of homosexuality in him, even those who are loudest and most vehement in their protestations of revulsion."

Link: The Press

28 Jun 1969

STONEWALL UPRISING REVERBERATES

The Stonewall Riots began on 28 June 1969 in New York City in the US, igniting a worldwide Gay Liberation movement. Although New Zealand’s fight for homosexual law reform had started earlier, Stonewall’s impact was deeply felt. By the early 1970s, Gay Liberation groups were established across New Zealand, and Gay Pride weeks were commemorated annually around the uprising’s anniversary.

Link: Wikipedia

15 Mar 1972

GAY LIBERATION IGNITED

On 15 March 1972, Auckland student Ngahuia Te Awekotuku was barred from the United States for being a lesbian, despite earning a scholarship. Outraged, she publicly declared, "Let's start a revolution!" Within a few months, Gay Liberation groups were formed in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. As an early Gay Lib News newsletter explained, the movement aimed to free people from societal constraints, asserting, "G.L.F. was formed to fight for liberation so that people are not only permitted to explore their sexual identities but are actually expected to."

Link: The Press

1973

SISTERS FOR HOMOPHILE EQUALITY ESTABLISHED

In 1973, SHE (Sisters for Homophile Equality) was established in Christchurch with a manifesto that reflected both women's liberation and gay politics. Within two months, SHE had around 200 members in Christchurch and Wellington. The first national conference was held on 2-3 March 1974, and was attended by approximately 40 people who resolved that homosexual couples should be able to adopt children and that lesbian couples should be accorded the same legal status as de facto marriages in relation to social recognition, inheritance rights and tax benefits. Another outcome of the conference was the formation of a SHE group in Palmerston North.

22 Nov 1973

ADVOCATING REFORM, DEMANDING CHANGE

On 22 November 1973, Rev. Wilfred Ford and Professor Jim Robb of the Homosexual Law Reform Society met with Prime Minister Norman Kirk to push for decriminalising private, consensual homosexual acts. They presented evidence of bipartisan and church support, but clarified, "The Society does not seek moral approval of homosexual behaviour." This pragmatic approach contrasted with the Gay Liberation movement, which sought broader societal transformation. As outlined in their 1972 manifesto, the Auckland Gay Liberation Front aimed to dismantle gender roles, declaring it’s long-term goal was to "rid society of the gender-role system which is at the root of our oppression."

27 Nov 1974

ACTIVISTS CHALLENGE SOCIAL REPRESSION

On 27 November 1974, representatives from five Gay Liberation groups addressed a parliamentary select committee considering MP Venn Young's bill to decriminalise homosexual acts between consenting adults aged 21 and over. Rae Dellaca of Gay Liberation (Victoria University of Wellington) stated their goal was to end the legal and social oppression of homosexuals, highlighting feelings of shame and worthlessness imposed by society. M. McAllister of Auckland University cited examples of discrimination, while H. Sydow of Christchurch noted that legal reform alone wouldn’t erase self-loathing.

Link: The Press

4 Jul 1975

PARLIAMENT REJECTS REFORM

On 4 July 1975, New Zealand’s first major attempt at homosexual law reform was defeated. National MP Venn Young’s bill sought to decriminalise homosexual acts between consenting adults aged 21 and over. In a passionate speech, Young argued, "My amendment to the Crimes Act is proposed on the bases of humanity, logic, and equality. I believe New Zealand is a country where these values are held high... There are times and countries in which humanity becomes lost in laws inherited from the past. Equality, compassion, and logic each demand that parliaments alter such laws." Despite his appeal, 34 MPs voted against the bill. Significantly, another 24 members abstained from voting. The outcome reflected a lack of parliamentary support, but rainbow communities and their allies refused to accept the status quo, igniting a sustained campaign for justice and equality in New Zealand.

Link: The Press

24 Aug 1976

TABLOID OUTS MP

On 24 August 1976, the NZ Truth newspaper launched a six-week campaign to publicly out National MP Marilyn Waring, beginning with the headline, "MP’s Odd Love Affair." The tabloid continued for weeks reporting on Waring’s relationship with a woman. However it was the paper that felt the backlash. Waring received overwhelming public support, with an avalanche of letters condemning the attack. Reflecting later, Waring noted her sexuality was weaponised politically at other times, including Labour MP Peter Tapsell’s comment that the government’s policy on women was led by a "barren lesbian."

Link: The Press

Aug 1977

MALGRA: A LEGACY OF ADVOCACY

The Manawatu Gay Rights Association (MaGRA) was formed in Palmerston North in August 1977. The Association was later renamed the Manawatu Lesbian and Gay Rights Association (MaLGRA) and is New Zealand's longest running LGBTI rainbow rights and social organisation.

25 Jun 1979

DEFENCE FORCE TARGETS GAYS

On 25 June 1979, media reported that a newly enacted Defence Council regulation simply formalised a long held policy in the New Zealand Defence Force to discharge practising homosexuals. Defence Secretary D.B. McLean stated that homosexuality was something that "the services considered detrimental to good order and discipline." The persecution of individuals was highlighted in a case from 1985 where a serviceman was outed to his parents by the Defence Force sending them a letter saying that their son had been discharged because he was "a practising homosexual." It wasn't until the Human Rights Act 1993 that the NZDF allowed openly homosexual people to join and serve.

Link: The Press

Early 1980

TASK FORCE FIGHTS FOR EQUALITY

In early 1980, Auckland activists formed a Task Force to address escalating harassment of gay people, particularly by police. A key focus was promoting a draft bill to equalise penalties for homosexual and heterosexual acts under the Crimes Act. Activist Hugh Gaw bluntly declared in Pink Triangle magazine, "For too long, as far as law reform goes, we have relied on what the straight liberals of the Homosexual Law Reform Society and their associates have told us we want. Now we are taking the opportunity to demand what we as gay people want." Although the Equality Bill did not proceed, the Task Force’s efforts laid crucial groundwork for achieving homosexual law reform through MP Fran Wilde's Homosexual Law Reform Act in 1986.

1981

CONTROVERSIAL HUMAN RIGHTS STANCE

In 1981 the Human Rights Commission issued a report saying that homosexuals did not qualify for protection as an oppressed group. Chief Commissioner Pat Downey stated, "I do not agree that all discrimination should be made unlawful." The report suggested reframing the Crimes Act to equalise male and female treatment, effectively criminalising lesbian acts. This recommendation was not adopted by the government.

1 Apr 1984

FIRST AIDS RELATED DEATH

On 1 April 1984, Henry became New Zealand’s first person to die from AIDS-related complications. Returning from Australia, he was cared for by his sister in New Plymouth. Hospital Superintendent Don King emphasised the social responsibility to care for all patients. However not everyone was as compassionate, with one nurse threatening to resign rather than care for him. Despite stigma, Henry openly discussed his illness on national TV, urging positivity, saying, "If you are putting all of your energies into being worried about things, then you’re draining what energies you can be putting into helping yourself get better." It was only a few weeks after Henry's death, that the US Secretary of Health Margaret Heckler announced the probable cause of AIDS had been discovered. A blood test became available in 1985, and in 1986 the virus was officially named HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

1 Sep 1984

PREPARING FOR LAW REFORM

On 1 September 1984, the Wellington Gay Task Force formed to support homosexual law reform. Sparked by a community meeting with Wellington Central MP Fran Wilde, who hinted at imminent legislative action, attendees took decisive steps. Wilde remarked, "There is likely to be someone in the next parliament who will introduce a bill. You can make your own guess as to who that may be." Bill Logan, one of the organisers, later reflected, "Sometimes there would be just a few people and sometimes they would be huge meetings... the Gay Task Force had huge authority because everyone was part of it." On 6 November the Christchurch Gay Task Force was formed, followed by the re-forming of the Auckland Gay Task Force on 10 November. Peter Wall’s was appointed spokesperson for the Auckland group.

2 Feb 1985

GAY BROADCASTING COLLECTIVE

Gay BC (Gay Broadcasting Collective) was established as a weekly programme on Wellington Access Radio. The half-hour show featured interviews, music, and updates on the law reform campaign, becoming a vital voice for LGBTQI+ issues. It aired weekly until February 2005.

19 Mar 1985

CONTROVERSIAL PETITION LAUNCHED

On 19 March 1985, National MP Graeme Lee announced the launch of a petition opposing the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Lee partnered with three other members of Parliament – National's Norman Jones, and Labour MPs Geoff Braybrooke and Alan Wallbank - to spearhead the campaign, which aimed to gather one million signatures against the bill. Among the prominent figures supporting the petition were chief petitioners Keith Hay from Auckland and Sir Peter Tait from Napier, along with Barry Reed - the press officer for the petition.

Link: The Press

1 Apr 1985

ANTI-REFORM MEETING TURNS

On 1 April 1985, an anti-homosexual law reform meeting in Lower Hutt, organised by morals campaigner Patricia Bartlett, took an unexpected turn. Reform supporters attended in force and demanded speaking rights. After paying half the hall hire, they successfully passed a motion supporting homosexual law reform.

14 Apr 1985

RALLY FUELS OPPOSITION

On 14 April 1985, 2,500 people gathered in Christchurch’s Cathedral Square for a rally against the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, organised by the Coalition of Concerned Christians. MP Norman Jones called the bill New Zealand’s "greatest moral crusade," urging mass petition signatures to pressure Parliament. MP Graham Lee described the bill as "obnoxious," linking it to societal decay and public health issues like AIDS. A smaller group of around 150 supporters of the bill, Christians for Tolerance, demonstrated peacefully but faced tension. The rally concluded with calls to action, petitions, and speeches invoking Christian condemnation of homosexuality.

Link: The Press

26 Apr 1985

PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS CLOSE

On 26 April 1985, public submissions on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill closed, with over 2,000 responses received. According to Gerry Rudd, clerk of the Statutes Revision Committee, approximately 500 submissions had been processed, with the remainder expected to be reviewed soon. Early assessments revealed over 1,000 individual letters, reflecting significant public engagement in the divisive debate over homosexual law reform

Link: The Press

7 May 1985

HISTORIC HEARINGS BEGIN

On the 7 May 1985, the Statutes Revision Committee starts hearing submissions on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Advocates for LGBTIQ+ rights present arguments for decriminalising homosexuality and promoting equality, while opponents voice concerns about moral and societal impacts.

22 May 1985

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BACKS REFORM

On 22 May 1985, the Human Rights Commission endorsed decriminalising private homosexual acts between consenting adults, addressing a long-standing injustice. While unified on reform, members differed on the age of consent, debating between 16 and 18. They proposed safeguards against exploitation by authority figures and defences for consensual acts among youths aged 16 to 18. Citing research affirming homosexuality as inherent, the commission argued criminal law should not enforce personal morality but prevent harm.

Link: The Press

2 Jul 1985

HUG WELLINGTON LAUNCHES

On 2 July 1985, the Wellington chapter of Heterosexuals Unafraid of Gays (HUG) held its first public meeting. The group aimed to challenge homophobia and advocate for equality. HUG members emphasised that heterosexual allies play a crucial role in dismantling prejudice and fostering inclusivity. The first chapter of HUG was formed earlier in 1985 in Auckland.

7 Aug 1985

PREACHER’S VISIT SPARKS TENSIONS

On 7 August 1985, Rev. Louis Sheldon, an American campaigning against New Zealand’s Homosexual Law Reform Bill, faced public backlash. At a news conference in Auckland, a member of the public doused Sheldon with orange juice after he labelled homosexuality a “disorder.” Sheldon, who declined legal action, called the protester a "lost soul." Protest organiser Sandi Hall defended the person who threw the juice, citing verbal abuse and “an hour of personal vilification and filth.” Later, 150 demonstrators protested a meeting Sheldon attended in Glenfield, forcing it behind locked doors. His controversial remarks, including calling homosexuality a perversion of nature, fuelled widespread protests throughout his 10-day anti-reform tour.

Link: The Press

19 Aug 1985

SALVATION ARMY RIFT

On 19 August 1985, dissent emerged among Salvation Army members over its leadership's opposition to homosexual law reform. Some members even circulated a petition advocating for the bill, criticising the leadership for bypassing inclusive dialogue. Professor Max Cresswell, argued the Army’s opposition was unwarranted. He and eight other Army officers made an independent submission to Parliament in support of the bill. Major Rodney Knight defended the Salvation Army's global stance on homosexuality, citing governance principles. He regretted members’ lack of access to the Army’s parliamentary submission, intensifying divisions within the ranks.

Link: The Press

30 Aug - 1 Sep 1985

BIGOT BUSTERS CONFERENCE

On 30 August 1985, the Bigot Busters Conference at Victoria University in Wellington brought together 150 activists amid intense debate over homosexual law reform. Michelle Tui, one of the speakers, highlighted the cultural interconnectedness of Māori identity and lesbianism, stating that the homosexual law reform movement had galvanised white gay communities to advocate for fundamental human rights and self-determination. She then questioned the extent of support from these communities for Māori self-determination.

Link: The Press

5-7 Sep 1985

SELECT COMMITTEE IN AUCKLAND

From 5–7 September 1985, the select committee heard emotional pleas for homosexual law reform. The AIDS Foundation revealed that homosexual and bisexual individuals often preferred to risk contracting AIDS rather than disclose their sexual orientation due to the existing laws that criminalised homosexuality. The Christian Medical Fellowship opposed reform, advocating restrictions on homosexuals. Peter Wall of the Auckland Gay Task Force argued legalisation would combat discrimination and foster inclusion, noting rising anti-gay violence. Testimonies from young men like Fear Brampton exposed severe bullying, suicidal thoughts, and societal rejection, underscoring the current law's devastating mental health impact.

Link: The Press

19 Sep 1985

FAKE SIGNATURES PULLED FROM PETITION

On 19 September 1985, media reported that organisers of the anti-reform petition had removed over 400 fictitious names, including “Adolf Hitler” and “Yogi Bear.” Despite the adjustments, MP Graeme Lee backed the petition’s credibility, which allegedly had around 800,000 signatures. Lee warned MPs to heed strong opposition figures, noting significant turnout in several electorates.

Link: The Press

22 Sep 1985

CAMPAIGN FOR TOLERANCE ESTABLISHED

On 22 September 1985, the Campaign for Tolerance was launched in Auckland to challenge conservative opposition to homosexual law reform. Chairwoman Barbara Goodman announced an initial focus on scrutinising the 800,000-signature petition opposing the bill, amid doubts over its authenticity. The group planned to validate signatures and promote liberal perspectives on divisive issues. With interim leaders, temporary offices, and $1,680 in donations, the organisation targeted 1,000 members to fund education campaigns. A Wellington chapter of the group was established in early October.

Link: The Press

26 Sep 1985

PETITION FRAUD

On 26 September 1985, Labour MP Fran Wilde exposed flaws in the anti-homosexual law reform petition. Wilde's team inspected boxes claimed to represent specific electorates but found them largely empty and containing signatures from diverse regions. Analysis revealed 61% of sampled signatures were not on electoral rolls, 9% were illegible, and only 30% were valid. Dubious entries, including "B. Bardot" and similar looking handwriting on multiple names, further undermined the petition's credibility.

Link: The Press

1 Oct 1985

EXPERTS ADVOCATE FOR LAW REFORM

On 1 October 1985, the select committee heard strong support for the Homosexual Law Reform Bill from the Sociological Association and Victoria University’s Faculty of Law. The Sociological Association endorsed equal legal treatment for homosexual and heterosexual conduct, criticising current laws as unenforceable and discriminatory. They argued reform would aid self-acceptance among younger homosexuals and align with New Zealand's human rights values. The Faculty of Law supported amendments ensuring equality, including a uniform age of consent at 16, and emphasised freedom from discrimination for homosexuals.

Link: The Press

2 Oct 1985

COMMITTEE VOTES TO STOP HEARING SUBMISSIONS

On 2 October 1985, the Justice and Law Reform Committee voted 3–2 to cease hearing submissions on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, sparking controversy. Labour MPs Fran Wilde, Trevor Mallard, and Anne Fraser supported closure, citing thorough evaluation of 117 oral and 1,096 written submissions over five months. National MPs Paul East and Katherine O’Regan opposed the motion, labelling it undemocratic. Petition co-organiser MP Graeme Lee criticised the decision, claiming it silenced public voices. Wilde maintained that the bill needed broader legislative debate. Tensions flared as Norman Jones protested exclusion, while Dr Michael Cullen hinted the bill’s return to Parliament was imminent.

Link: The Press

8 Oct 1985

SELECT COMMITTEE REPORTS BACK

On 8 October 1985, the Homosexual Law Reform Bill returned to New Zealand’s Parliament with minor technical amendments, sparking heated debate. Despite objections led by National MP Venn Young over 85 unheard submissions, a motion to delay reporting back failed, with 36 votes against 42. The report was tabled by 47 votes to 32, with some MPs crossing party lines. Labour’s Trevor Mallard defended the process, citing 70 hours of hearings and broad support for decriminalisation from major churches. Critics like Graeme Lee decried insufficient representation of dissent.

Link: The Press

16 Oct 1985

BURDON PROPOSES 20 AS THE AGE-OF-CONSENT

On 16 October 1985, National MP Philip Burdon proposed raising the age of consent for homosexual acts from 16 to 20 in an amendment to the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, citing health risks and societal responsibility. Burdon supported decriminalisation for adults over 20 but sought protections for younger individuals. Labour MP Trevor de Cleene countered, championing equality and urging decriminalisation at 16. Philip Goff and Helen Clark supported the bill, citing public backing.

Link: Hansard

3 Nov 1985

PRESBYTERIAN'S CONDEMN HOMOSEXUAL ACTS

On 3 November 1985, the Presbyterian Church General Assembly in Dunedin declared homosexual acts sinful, voting 138 to 107, with 65 abstentions. The resolution replaced earlier support for decriminalisation, instead calling for compassionate ministry and emphasising transformation through Christ. Opposing the move, Rev. R. Galvin said "I feel personally that God will be very upset with us."

Link: The Press

6 Nov 1985

SECOND READING CONTINUES

On 6 November 1985, former Methodist minister and Cabinet member Russell Marshall defended the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, asserting its alignment with Christian teachings. He urged acceptance of individuals over fixation on sexual activity. Outside, Catholics prayed for Parliament to reject the bill, while debates inside drew a packed gallery. Opponents like Roger Maxwell and Neil Austin opposed the age of consent at 16, favouring 20. Paul East doubted society’s readiness for anti-discrimination measures. Norman Jones proposed delaying the bill’s reading, sparking laughter and wagers.

Link: Hansard

18 Dec 1985

JOURNALISTS TO BE REPRIMANDED

On 18 December 1985, media reported that editor Alan Hitchens and reporter Chris Knight of New Zealand Truth would face formal reprimands for contempt of Parliament after publishing an article deemed threatening to MPs during the Homosexual Law Reform Bill debate. Complaints from National MPs John Banks, Norman Jones, and Graeme Lee prompted a Parliamentary inquiry, which found the newspaper’s actions breached privilege. Though New Zealand Truth denied intent to influence MPs and had settled with the complainants via apologies and compensation, the committee recommended written reprimands.

Link: The Press

5 Mar 1986

COMMITTEE OF WHOLE HOUSE BEGINS

On 5 March 1986, Opposition MP John Banks was suspended from Parliament for 24 hours over "grossly disorderly conduct" during a contentious debate on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Banks, along with colleagues Sir Robert Muldoon and Merv Wellington, disrupted proceedings, criticising Chairman John Terris. After being named for his behaviour, Banks was censured by a 44-31 vote. Despite the chaos, the bill advanced, with its short title passed 47-27. An amendment for a Royal Commission and referendum, proposed by Geoffrey Braybrooke, was defeated.

Link: Hansard

13 Mar 1986

SALVATION ARMY BREAKS FUNDRAISING RECORD

On 13 March 1986, the Salvation Army announced a record $1,156,392 raised during its national appeal - a 29% increase from the previous year. Major Ron Brinsdon, the appeal director, praised the exceptional result, while public relations secretary Major Rodney Knight called the support phenomenal. Knight refrained from speculating on whether the Salvation Army's stance on homosexual law reform influenced donations but expressed deep gratitude for the public's generosity.

Link: The Press

26 Mar 1986

AGE OF CONSENT SET AT 16

On 26 March 1986, the Committee of the whole House voted in favour of Part 1 of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, setting the age of consent at 16. The vote was 41 in favour and 36 opposed. Part 2 of the bill still needed to be debated, followed by the final third reading debate. Proposals to raise the age of consent to 18 or 20 failed. Unified opposition to these amendments ensured the 16-year limit prevailed. Dr Bill Sutton’s pivotal support, following talks with Fran Wilde and Helen Clark, faced criticism but proved decisive. An Armed Forces exemption narrowly passed, reflecting concerns about discipline and AIDS. Anti-discrimination provisions were set for debate post-Easter recess.

Link: The Press

9 Apr 1986

CUSTODY FEARS FUEL REFORM BACKLASH

On 9 April 1986, New Zealand’s Equal Parental Rights Society opposed the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, advocating that homosexuality and lesbianism be criminalised in child custody cases. Secretary Patrick Conroy argued children needed protection from "any perverted concept of human behaviour" and rejected homosexuality as a valid lifestyle. He criticised High Court rulings overturning Family Court decisions that denied custody to lesbians, warning these reforms could increasingly favour practising homosexuals.

Link: The Press

14 Apr 1986

COALITION URGES ELECTION PROTEST VOTE

On 14 April 1986, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens urged supporters to back only anti-Homosexual Law Reform Bill candidates in the upcoming General Election. Citing a poll showing just 2% of New Zealanders identified as homosexual, and referencing a petition of 835,000 signatures opposing legalisation, the coalition highlighted widespread dissent. Executive chairman Joe Simmons accused pro-bill MPs of betraying democratic rights. The coalition warned that the bill threatened the family unit, deemed essential to society, and reinforced their stance by sending a letter to every MP condemning the proposed reforms.

Link: The Press

16 Apr 1986

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION MEASURES DEFEATED

On 16 April 1986, Parliament rejected Part Two of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, with a 49–31 vote. The provision aimed to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, addressing practices like firing employees, denying housing, or withholding services. The debate in Parliament saw heated bigotry from some Members of Parliament (both Labour and National MPs), which was responded to by the Bill’s sponsor MP Fran Wilde, "They have used that sort of emotional diatribe, that sort of emotional clap-trap to frighten members of this house into voting against the bill. Night after night they have raised the issue of incest and paedophilia and they haven't bothered to look at the truth, to look at what the bill really does. That I think is plain disgusting."

Link: Hansard

11 Jun 1986

REFORM WOULD HARM WOMEN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

On 11 June 1986, Kiwi Forum president Mrs Ann Parker criticised New Zealand's proposed homosexual law reform, claiming it would harm women, youth, and families. She argued the bill undermined existing protections for women, saying “I’m sure I know the revulsion which will be expressed by women when they know what this law means.” In contrast, law lecturer Mark Henaghan supported the reform, noting non-consensual acts would remain criminal under strengthened sexual violation laws. He highlighted that many married couples already engaged in consensual acts the bill sought to decriminalise.

Link: The Press

9 Jul 1986

LAW REFORM NARROWLY PASSES

On 9 July 1986, Part 1 of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill was narrowly passed by Parliament, 49 votes to 44. Part 2 of the Bill dealing with anti-discrimination measures was lost in April 1986. It wasn't until 1993 that it became illegal to discriminate against homosexuals in the areas of accommodation, employment and services. The legislation had been introduced as a private member’s bill in 1985 by MP Fran Wilde. She said at the time that the campaign brought a flood of "terrible phone calls and terrible letters...[but] despite the discomfort it's worthwhile." Working closely with Wilde was MP Trevor Mallard. He later recalled, "I don't think we ever got above 32% support in the polls for the passing of the Bill. This was a Bill that was, at the time, not wanted by the majority of New Zealanders."

Link: Hansard

14 Jul 1986

OPPOSITION CONTINUES

On 14 July 1986, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens launched a fighting fund to challenge the newly passed Homosexual Law Reform Act. The coalition aimed to raise $800,000 through public donations, using funds to assess public opinion and target politicians who supported the bill in the next election. Spokesperson Barry Reed criticised Parliamentary procedures during the bill's passage, claiming democracy and youth morals were at risk.

Link: The Press

29 Aug 1986

TEACHERS TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING

On 29 August 1986, the P.P.T.A. conference in Wellington voted 97 to 15 to promote understanding and acceptance of homosexuality in schools. Key measures included training counsellors to support homosexual students, challenging derogatory language, and ensuring teachers were free from discrimination. Shona Heran criticised the curriculum's heterosexual bias, calling for greater inclusivity.

Link: The Press

28 Jul 1993

HUMAN RIGHTS ACT PASSES

The Human Rights Act was passed, introducing significant protections against discrimination. It explicitly prohibited discrimination on the grounds of disability, sexual orientation, and the presence of organisms in the body that could potentially cause disease (e.g. HIV).

27 Sep 2018

HISTORIC HOMOSEXUAL CONVICTIONS WIPED

Minister of Justice Andrew Little announced that under a newly enacted law, the first wiping of historic homosexual convictions had taken place. As of September 2018, there had been a total of 21 applications to wipe historic convictions. Nineteen have been made by individuals and two by family representatives. Thirteen applications have been successful, and six declined. The Ministry of Justice also published statistics on the number of historic convictions from the 1920s to 1980s. It showed that convictions for men who permitted an "indecent act" on themselves (which was just one of the unjust laws), rose sharply in the years leading up to homosexual law reform in the mid-1980s: 1950s (no convictions), 1960s (19), 1970s (53) and 1980s (66).