Overview
For gay individuals living in New Zealand pre-1950’s, it was a time of trepidation and fear. They lived in a country who took many of it’s societal nuances from big Brother Britain, including treatment and legislation regarding gay individuals. This meant not only was marriage between homosexuals was outlawed, any sexual contact between them was treated as a crime. It was not until the 1980’s that Fran Wilde won the first of many successes in the fight for reform with a famous two part bill that sought to free homosexuals from the shackles of oppression. As the American attitude began to influence New Zealand, more pro-homosexual groups were established across New Zealand, and protests became more violent as gay individuals rose up against the violent and overbearing police force which had dominated them for the past 20 years. Similarly, a sway in Christian attitudes towards homosexuality helped soften legislation against it. Previously religious attitudes had been extremely antagonistic towards homosexual rights, but a redefining period for Chritstianity saw them take on a more accepting attitude towards homosexuality, helping further develop the case for homosexual law reform. Other developments in New Zealand at the time helped push the case for reform – the feminist movement caused New Zealanders to reevaluate the egalitarianism present in their society and whether or not the current treatment of homosexuals was appropriate. The inspiring events that would transpire as a result of the Reform Movement would continue to effect New Zealand society for generations to come.