Homosexual law reform in New Zealand
Setting the scene - homosexual law reform
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
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
The Homosexual Law Reform Bill
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.
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