Press Statement on Gay Rights – Taranaki Gay Society (1978)

Organisation: Taranaki Gay Society

Date: 16 November 1978

Location: New Plymouth, Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand

This is a press statement issued by the Taranaki Gay Society in the lead-up to the 1978 General Election, calling out major political party candidates in the New Plymouth electorate for failing to represent the interests of gay and homosexual voters.

The statement is based on a survey conducted by the National Gay Rights Coalition (NGRC), which asked candidates about their views on gay rights and law reform.

Key points from the document

• 📊 Candidates surveyed: Political candidates were asked about their stance on legislation protecting the rights of gay people.

• 🗳️ Public accountability: The statement criticises candidates who did not respond or ignored requests, framing silence as opposition to gay rights.

• ⚖️ Law reform advocacy: The document discusses:

  • Repealing parts of the Crimes Act

  • Equalising the age of consent for gay men

  • Extending the Human Rights Commission Act to include homosexual people

  • Supporting a future Bill of Rights

• 🏳️‍🌈 Framing gay rights as human rights: A strong message is made that “gay rights are human rights”, rejecting the idea that equality demands are “extravagant.”

• 📣 Media strategy: The statement references a nationwide public awareness campaign, including radio and newspaper advertising — showing a sophisticated approach to political advocacy at a time when homosexuality was still criminalised in New Zealand.

• ✍️ Signed by:Les, Secretary/Treasurer of the Taranaki Gay Society