Actions taken by the Homosexual Law Reform Movement
Initial actions taken
The first two key actions taken by New Zealand society in support of the homosexual reform movement were the forming of a Dorian Society and the subsequent formation of the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society (NZHLRS). The Dorian Society was founded in 1962 by Jack Goodwin, Claude Tanner, Kees Cooge and John Mackay. The group attempted to fly under the radar and remain a subtle community for homosexual men. It aimed to create education programmes which encouraged modest political reform. The 1957 Wolfenden Report in Britain, which receommend the legalisation of private, consensual sex between men over the age of 21, inspired the Dorian Society to push harder for homosexual law reform. A legal subcommittee that had been formed to discuss reform renamed itself to the Wolfenden Association, before rechanging the name again to the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society (NZHLRS). Initially, The NZHLRS required respectability, and so invited prominent heterosexuals to join its ranks. Former governor general spat Lord Cobham spat at his request, stating that homosexuality was a ‘contagious disease’. Others were less vitriolic, and a heterosexual sociology professor, Jim Robb, became the society’s first president. The NZHLRS recognised itself as a conservative group and didn’t want to upset important public figures who had the potential to support reform. This was reflected in their mechanisms to raise support, allowing heterosexual members to do the lobbying, in case homosexuals doing so made the public uncomfortable with the NZHLRS and their hopes of reform.
The first two key actions taken by New Zealand society in support of the homosexual reform movement were the forming of a Dorian Society and the subsequent formation of the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society (NZHLRS). The Dorian Society was founded in 1962 by Jack Goodwin, Claude Tanner, Kees Cooge and John Mackay. The group attempted to fly under the radar and remain a subtle community for homosexual men. It aimed to create education programmes which encouraged modest political reform. The 1957 Wolfenden Report in Britain, which receommend the legalisation of private, consensual sex between men over the age of 21, inspired the Dorian Society to push harder for homosexual law reform. A legal subcommittee that had been formed to discuss reform renamed itself to the Wolfenden Association, before rechanging the name again to the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society (NZHLRS). Initially, The NZHLRS required respectability, and so invited prominent heterosexuals to join its ranks. Former governor general spat Lord Cobham spat at his request, stating that homosexuality was a ‘contagious disease’. Others were less vitriolic, and a heterosexual sociology professor, Jim Robb, became the society’s first president. The NZHLRS recognised itself as a conservative group and didn’t want to upset important public figures who had the potential to support reform. This was reflected in their mechanisms to raise support, allowing heterosexual members to do the lobbying, in case homosexuals doing so made the public uncomfortable with the NZHLRS and their hopes of reform.
Gay Liberation Movement
The gay liberation movement played a major part in the radicalisation and protests that occurred to promote homosexual reform. The movement sought more radical action for their cause and promoted rallies and demonstrations in place of more traditional protest methods. What the movement hoped to achieve could be clearly grouped into three central aims; successfully lobbying for the repeal of legislation which criminilised homosexuality, public education on homosexuality and a societal fostering of mutual support for homosexual communities. The Gay Liberation Movement held its first demonstration in Auckland’s Albert Park in 1972. The scene saw hundreds of protestors flood the park, gathering around the statue of Queen Victoria. The people held signs which sought to promote the rights of homosexuals as well as encouraging political debate with signs aimed at certain politicans and leaders. This continued with street marches and demonstrations in a similar vein to the Albert Park protest becoming a regular occurrence. ‘Black and Pink Friday’ became a celebratory event for gays with more marches encouraged, sometimes reaching attendances of over 10000 protestors. In 1973, the Gay Liberation Movement organised New Zealand’s first ever Gay Pride Week, and this has continued ever since its inception. Perhaps the Gay Liberation Movement’s most influential ideal was that of visibility. It’s members stressed that homosexuals must be ‘out of the closet’ and in the public eye. One of the prominent members of the movement, Alison Laurie, famously said “Visibility, visibility, visibility – that is the key. The more visibility we have, the stronger our community will be.’ The movement stressed that is was easier for society to remain ignorant of the plight of gay individuals if they could relegate them to the shadows. By acting as though they did not exist, society could pay no attention to the movement and as a result no legislative traction could be gained. During its time as a movement the Gay Liberation achieved a considerable amount of success, including Robin Duff becoming New Zealand’s first openly gay parliamentary candidate, and increased education of homosexuality amongst students through groups like GAS (Gay Activist Students). Ultimately the Gay Liberation Movement stood radically for homosexually reform, challenging individuals to rethink the traditional bigoted attitudes that were pre-eminent in their society. Historian Chris Brickell wrote of the movement, The Gay Liberation Movement dismissed the camouflage behind which men had sheltered for so many decades; for them, liberation lay in unambiguous public declarations. A new vanguard wanted to shake the whole social body; not just the leg’.
The gay liberation movement played a major part in the radicalisation and protests that occurred to promote homosexual reform. The movement sought more radical action for their cause and promoted rallies and demonstrations in place of more traditional protest methods. What the movement hoped to achieve could be clearly grouped into three central aims; successfully lobbying for the repeal of legislation which criminilised homosexuality, public education on homosexuality and a societal fostering of mutual support for homosexual communities. The Gay Liberation Movement held its first demonstration in Auckland’s Albert Park in 1972. The scene saw hundreds of protestors flood the park, gathering around the statue of Queen Victoria. The people held signs which sought to promote the rights of homosexuals as well as encouraging political debate with signs aimed at certain politicans and leaders. This continued with street marches and demonstrations in a similar vein to the Albert Park protest becoming a regular occurrence. ‘Black and Pink Friday’ became a celebratory event for gays with more marches encouraged, sometimes reaching attendances of over 10000 protestors. In 1973, the Gay Liberation Movement organised New Zealand’s first ever Gay Pride Week, and this has continued ever since its inception. Perhaps the Gay Liberation Movement’s most influential ideal was that of visibility. It’s members stressed that homosexuals must be ‘out of the closet’ and in the public eye. One of the prominent members of the movement, Alison Laurie, famously said “Visibility, visibility, visibility – that is the key. The more visibility we have, the stronger our community will be.’ The movement stressed that is was easier for society to remain ignorant of the plight of gay individuals if they could relegate them to the shadows. By acting as though they did not exist, society could pay no attention to the movement and as a result no legislative traction could be gained. During its time as a movement the Gay Liberation achieved a considerable amount of success, including Robin Duff becoming New Zealand’s first openly gay parliamentary candidate, and increased education of homosexuality amongst students through groups like GAS (Gay Activist Students). Ultimately the Gay Liberation Movement stood radically for homosexually reform, challenging individuals to rethink the traditional bigoted attitudes that were pre-eminent in their society. Historian Chris Brickell wrote of the movement, The Gay Liberation Movement dismissed the camouflage behind which men had sheltered for so many decades; for them, liberation lay in unambiguous public declarations. A new vanguard wanted to shake the whole social body; not just the leg’.
Lesbian Protest Actions
Whilst men and women both campaigned for homosexual law reform, there were many reform protest groups that were specifically designed for lesbians and their own, gender-specific rights. This led to much protest from lesbians of the time who felt they needed to remove themselves from the male politics of the movement at that time. The first established nationwide organisation was SHE (Sisters for Homophile Equality). The first branch was opened in Christchurch in 1973, however subsequent branches were opened in Wellington and smaller centres around the country. One of SHE’s most effective mechanisms for change was the self-published magazine it distributed between 1973 and 1986 Circle. Circle became New Zealand’s first ever national lesbian magazine and was effective at creating discourse regarding lesbian issues. The magazine would often import stories from overseas and reprint them, which led to the introduction of many new homosexual ideas in society. Taken from the international sphere of homosexuality, these stories offered a fresh take on issues which were often the subject of heated debate in New Zealand. As the movement expanded, the first national women’s liberation conference was held in Wellington in April 1972. It gave lesbians from all over the country the chance to meet and express various ideas on homosexuality and the legal reform that they hoped to achieve. 1980 became a significant year for the Lesbian movement, as they took up significant action for their cause. Firstly they celebrated International Lesbian Day (8th April) by marching down the streets of Wellington. On this same day, members of the Lesbian Liberation Army would attack the offices of the Sunday News in exchange for their recent publication of an article with anti-lesbian sentiment. In April they attempted to augment an ANZAC day service by laying a wreath in honour of woman raped and killed in wartime. They would take up various other protest forms that year, including postering Wellington City buses overnight with stickers promoting the National Lesbian Centre in Wellington, and holding various Lesbian Liberation dances throughout New Zealand. Similarly, the emergence of lesbian theatres helped promote the Lesbian cause across New Zealand. Theatre was a powerful political medium, and plays with lesbian characters and themes at the centre were well received by critics and audiences alike. These plays often had an underlying political message that was often quite radical, and yet the support from the public was overwhelming. After two decades these plays were so successful in moderating the views of the New Zealand public that even radical plays such as “Frontwoman,” “Cracks,” and “Eugenia” were accepted by mainstream audiences.
Whilst men and women both campaigned for homosexual law reform, there were many reform protest groups that were specifically designed for lesbians and their own, gender-specific rights. This led to much protest from lesbians of the time who felt they needed to remove themselves from the male politics of the movement at that time. The first established nationwide organisation was SHE (Sisters for Homophile Equality). The first branch was opened in Christchurch in 1973, however subsequent branches were opened in Wellington and smaller centres around the country. One of SHE’s most effective mechanisms for change was the self-published magazine it distributed between 1973 and 1986 Circle. Circle became New Zealand’s first ever national lesbian magazine and was effective at creating discourse regarding lesbian issues. The magazine would often import stories from overseas and reprint them, which led to the introduction of many new homosexual ideas in society. Taken from the international sphere of homosexuality, these stories offered a fresh take on issues which were often the subject of heated debate in New Zealand. As the movement expanded, the first national women’s liberation conference was held in Wellington in April 1972. It gave lesbians from all over the country the chance to meet and express various ideas on homosexuality and the legal reform that they hoped to achieve. 1980 became a significant year for the Lesbian movement, as they took up significant action for their cause. Firstly they celebrated International Lesbian Day (8th April) by marching down the streets of Wellington. On this same day, members of the Lesbian Liberation Army would attack the offices of the Sunday News in exchange for their recent publication of an article with anti-lesbian sentiment. In April they attempted to augment an ANZAC day service by laying a wreath in honour of woman raped and killed in wartime. They would take up various other protest forms that year, including postering Wellington City buses overnight with stickers promoting the National Lesbian Centre in Wellington, and holding various Lesbian Liberation dances throughout New Zealand. Similarly, the emergence of lesbian theatres helped promote the Lesbian cause across New Zealand. Theatre was a powerful political medium, and plays with lesbian characters and themes at the centre were well received by critics and audiences alike. These plays often had an underlying political message that was often quite radical, and yet the support from the public was overwhelming. After two decades these plays were so successful in moderating the views of the New Zealand public that even radical plays such as “Frontwoman,” “Cracks,” and “Eugenia” were accepted by mainstream audiences.
Political developments
Supporters of the homosexual reform campaign sought a legal solution to the issue, however a bill which encompassed the desires of all sections of the campaign proved difficult to achieve. In 1974, Venn Young, National MP for Egmont, proposed a bill to change the Crimes Act of 1961. The bill requested that homosexual sex be legalised for consenting males over the age of 21. The NZHLRS, a more conservative group, recognised this as a success and supported the bill. By contrast, more radical supporters of the homosexual reform movement refused to support it, instead wanting complete equality with heterosexuals, who had a consent age of 16. In 1979, Labour MP for Mount Albert, Warren Freer, made another attempt at legal homosexual reform. He proposed a similar amendment as Young, except that the consent age for homosexual men would become 20. Once again the gay liberation movement opposed this, and the bill was subsequently dropped. In 1980, Freer suggested another amendment, this time with a consent age of 18. Once again his proposition was opposed by the stubborn gay liberation movement, who had become famous for their rigid stance, becoming an ‘all-or-nothing’ group in Freer’s eyes.
Supporters of the homosexual reform campaign sought a legal solution to the issue, however a bill which encompassed the desires of all sections of the campaign proved difficult to achieve. In 1974, Venn Young, National MP for Egmont, proposed a bill to change the Crimes Act of 1961. The bill requested that homosexual sex be legalised for consenting males over the age of 21. The NZHLRS, a more conservative group, recognised this as a success and supported the bill. By contrast, more radical supporters of the homosexual reform movement refused to support it, instead wanting complete equality with heterosexuals, who had a consent age of 16. In 1979, Labour MP for Mount Albert, Warren Freer, made another attempt at legal homosexual reform. He proposed a similar amendment as Young, except that the consent age for homosexual men would become 20. Once again the gay liberation movement opposed this, and the bill was subsequently dropped. In 1980, Freer suggested another amendment, this time with a consent age of 18. Once again his proposition was opposed by the stubborn gay liberation movement, who had become famous for their rigid stance, becoming an ‘all-or-nothing’ group in Freer’s eyes.
Key Ideas
-The Gay Liberation Movement presented a more radical front to progressing homosexual rights, taking more aggressive tactics than the more traditionally conservative groups such as the NZHLRS, including marches and demonstrations.
-Lesbian movements were also established and created strong potential for social change. The establishment of groups such as Sisters for Homophile Equality (SHE) radicalised the protest for lesbian rights. Their distribution of the magazine Circle was instrumental in their raising awareness for Lesbian rights.
-Political developments arose as a result, with failed bills from Venn Young and Warren Freer which attempted to legalise homosexuality but with a higher age of consent than heterosexuals. Homosexual reformers did not recognise this as equality and refused to support it.
-The Gay Liberation Movement presented a more radical front to progressing homosexual rights, taking more aggressive tactics than the more traditionally conservative groups such as the NZHLRS, including marches and demonstrations.
-Lesbian movements were also established and created strong potential for social change. The establishment of groups such as Sisters for Homophile Equality (SHE) radicalised the protest for lesbian rights. Their distribution of the magazine Circle was instrumental in their raising awareness for Lesbian rights.
-Political developments arose as a result, with failed bills from Venn Young and Warren Freer which attempted to legalise homosexuality but with a higher age of consent than heterosexuals. Homosexual reformers did not recognise this as equality and refused to support it.