Rights & Realities: Remembering 1986
Jul 8, 2026 · 42 min · 15 segments
In this episode, activists Linda Evans and Gavin Young, present on the front lines in the 1970s and 1980s, discuss those early attempts at law reform, the internal politics of Rainbow communities…
Linda EvansGuest
Gavin YoungGuest2026 marks 40 years since the Homosexual Law Reform Act passed, the moment that sex between consenting men was finally decriminalised in Aotearoa New Zealand and a major step towards equality was taken.
In this podcast, leaders from our rainbow communities guide us through the changing story of sexuality and gender, revisit the moments that shaped a landmark bill, reflect on the Human Rights Commission's role, and honour the courage of those who fought on the frontlines for equality.
Episode 2, The Campaign.
From the 1960s onward, small but growing movements began pushing for reform of the criminalisation of homosexuality.
Groups like the Dorian Society, Gay Liberation Front and later the National Gay Rights Coalition spoke out against unfair laws and treatment.
International events such as the 1957 Wolfenden Report in the UK and the 1969 Stonewall Riots in the US had ripple effects that reached all the way to Aotearoa.
The early 70s saw a significant groundswell of support after lesbian academic Ngahuia Te Awekotuku was denied a permit to visit the USA on the grounds that she was homosexual.
Early attempts at reform had failed.
The first in 1974 under National MP Vinh Young, and the second in 1979 by Labor's Warren Freer.
Then came the turning point, and at its centre, Labour MP Fran Wilde, who introduced a bill that would transform lives – the Homosexual Law Reform Bill.
It would also plunge the country into a heated and deeply emotional debate.
Supporters campaigned for fairness and human rights, while opponents organised a nationwide petition to keep homosexual activity criminalised.
People like National Party MP Norman Jones heard here at the Wellington Town Hall in 1985.
You're
back into the cells.
You're back into the cells where you come from.
As far as I'm concerned, you can stay in the gutter.
Let all the normal people stand up.
We do not want homosexuality legalised.
We do not want our children to be contaminated by this.
Turn around and look at them! Turn around and look at them! Look at them! Glaze upon them! They're looking at the Hades! They're looking at the homosexuals! Don't look too long, you might catch AIDS! Alright, thank you very much!
In this episode, activists Linda Evans and Gavin Young, who were there on the front lines, discuss those early attempts at law reform, the internal politics of rainbow communities, international influences, and what it took to stand up to the opposing hatred.
And they ask, what did we learn?
2026 marks 40 years since the Homosexual Law Reform Act passed, the moment that sex between consenting men was finally decriminalised in Aotearoa New Zealand and a major step towards equality was taken.
In this podcast, leaders from our rainbow communities guide us through the changing story of sexuality and gender, revisit the moments that shaped a landmark bill, reflect on the Human Rights Commission's role, and honour the courage of those who fought on the frontlines for equality.
Episode 2, The Campaign.
From the 1960s onward, small but growing movements began pushing for reform of the criminalisation of homosexuality.
Groups like the Dorian Society, Gay Liberation Front and later the National Gay Rights Coalition spoke out against unfair laws and treatment.
International events such as the 1957 Wolfenden Report in the UK and the 1969 Stonewall Riots in the US had ripple effects that reached all the way to Aotearoa.
The early 70s saw a significant groundswell of support after lesbian academic Ngahuia Te Awekotuku was denied a permit to visit the USA on the grounds that she was homosexual.
Early attempts at reform had failed.
The first in 1974 under National MP Vinh Young, and the second in 1979 by Labor's Warren Freer.
Then came the turning point, and at its centre, Labour MP Fran Wilde, who introduced a bill that would transform lives – the Homosexual Law Reform Bill.
It would also plunge the country into a heated and deeply emotional debate.
Supporters campaigned for fairness and human rights, while opponents organised a nationwide petition to keep homosexual activity criminalised.
People like National Party MP Norman Jones heard here at the Wellington Town Hall in 1985.
You're
back into the cells.
You're back into the cells where you come from.
As far as I'm concerned, you can stay in the gutter.
Let all the normal people stand up.
We do not want homosexuality legalised.
We do not want our children to be contaminated by this.
Turn around and look at them! Turn around and look at them! Look at them! Glaze upon them! They're looking at the Hades! They're looking at the homosexuals! Don't look too long, you might catch AIDS! Alright, thank you very much!
In this episode, activists Linda Evans and Gavin Young, who were there on the front lines, discuss those early attempts at law reform, the internal politics of rainbow communities, international influences, and what it took to stand up to the opposing hatred.
And they ask, what did we learn?
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