NZHistory.net.nz, New Zealand history online - gay rights

Homosexual law reform in New Zealand

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

20 years out!

Setting the scene - homosexual law reform

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Background to reform

There is a long history of opposition to sexual activity between men and an equally long history of legislation that criminalised this activity. New Zealand took its cue from English social and legal traditions.

Birth of the gay movement - homosexual law reform

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

The birth of New Zealand's gay movement

Stonewall Inn

Social and political groups for homosexuals in New Zealand began with the Dorian Society in the 1960s. By the next decade, sexual and social liberation was in the air. The early 1970s saw the growth of the modern feminist and gay movements.

Reforming the law - homosexual law reform

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

The Homosexual Law Reform Bill

'Support the bill' poster

To bring about change in the law, the gay movement needed a parliamentary champion. It found one in Member of Parliament Fran Wilde. She consulted with gay groups to develop a private members bill, the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, which she introduced to the House of Representatives on 8 March 1985.

Support homosexual law reform poster

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200

Criminal Code against homosexuals, 1893

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Stonewall Inn, New York

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Venn Young - homosexual law reform in New Zealand

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Norman Jones speaking against homosexual law reform

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Homosexual law reform supporters

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