Significance of the Homosexual Reform Movement
The significance of the Homosexual Law Reform Movement can be measured in a number of ways. Firstly, it has meant that, as a society we have developed and matured from the previous days of judgment and hatred towards homosexuals. New Zealand as a society has developed to the extent that homosexuals now enjoy living here and often gay couples migrate to New Zealand for gay marriage and the open, accepting society we have in New Zealand. The standard of living for homosexuals has increased hugely through legal acts such as the Human Rights Act being passed. This prevented discrimination of homosexuals and ensured equal job and pay opportunities, providing homosexuals with an equal plateau as heterosexuals in society. The idea of homosexuality has become less shocking and more accepted as time has gone on, and now we see far more mainstream gay celebrities, as well as higher rates of homosexuality all together. This can be attributed to a society which no longer judges homosexuality, meaning there is no need for suppression of orientation as happened in the past. New Zealand has continued to grow out of its conservatism, and continues to be a world leader in terms of liberalising itself from traditional values and laws. This is significant as it reflects an open attitude which is grounded in the homosexual law reform, which sought to ensure everybody in society had equal rights. The Gay Liberation Movement were pivotal in their radicalisation of the issue, and the subsequent public increase in reform support and shifting toward a more moderate stance.
Whilst the effect of this reform has been felt all around New Zealand, it is also perceivable that the significance of this reform has effected our country more than the bill itself. Legislation was necessary and played an integral part of achieving change in New Zealand, yet complete equality has not been achieved. The latest step of Gay Marriage has helped the cause hugely, yet prejudices still exist in society, and in some cases a wall of oppression still exists in front on homosexuals in New Zealand. Despite all the legal successes and reform, there are still many cases regularly reported of men being discriminated against either physically through assault or through a degradation of rights. Whilst this prejudice may never be fully eradicated from New Zealand, the current and former reforms have gone long way to dignify homosexuals with the rights they deserve, and provide them an accepting and open society to live in.
Whilst the effect of this reform has been felt all around New Zealand, it is also perceivable that the significance of this reform has effected our country more than the bill itself. Legislation was necessary and played an integral part of achieving change in New Zealand, yet complete equality has not been achieved. The latest step of Gay Marriage has helped the cause hugely, yet prejudices still exist in society, and in some cases a wall of oppression still exists in front on homosexuals in New Zealand. Despite all the legal successes and reform, there are still many cases regularly reported of men being discriminated against either physically through assault or through a degradation of rights. Whilst this prejudice may never be fully eradicated from New Zealand, the current and former reforms have gone long way to dignify homosexuals with the rights they deserve, and provide them an accepting and open society to live in.
Key Ideas
-Homosexual Law Reform let to a huge uptake in social acceptance of homosexuals and their rights. Discrimination of homosexuals was lessening at an extreme right, and employers no longer had the ability to discriminate homosexuals because of their sexual orientation.
-The Law Reform paved the way for more liberalism in New Zealand, and society continues to move away from more traditional, conservative values.
-Whilst homosexuals have achieved a real sense of equality in New Zealand society, prejudice still exists against them, and they may never achieve true equality with heterosexuals, but regardless homosexual law reform has still advanced the societal rights of gay individuals in a significant way.
-Homosexual Law Reform let to a huge uptake in social acceptance of homosexuals and their rights. Discrimination of homosexuals was lessening at an extreme right, and employers no longer had the ability to discriminate homosexuals because of their sexual orientation.
-The Law Reform paved the way for more liberalism in New Zealand, and society continues to move away from more traditional, conservative values.
-Whilst homosexuals have achieved a real sense of equality in New Zealand society, prejudice still exists against them, and they may never achieve true equality with heterosexuals, but regardless homosexual law reform has still advanced the societal rights of gay individuals in a significant way.