How gay come about in New Zealand? And where are we heading...

As I was reading the history of homosexuality in New Zealand I was surprised to find that the gay community history goes back into the 18^th century (Brickell, 2012). I found out that in  colonial times men seeking to find other men found it quite easy, as they all socialised in public places. They met on the streets, at concerts and hotels, and even at public toilets. I also found out that New Zealand adopted British law about sexual activities, however, gay men continued in secret and out of reach of the law.
 

In the early 20^th century, it seemed that the gay community grew, especially during the First World War. Gay men met in public places and established relationships in New Zealand and overseas. After the Second World War the homosexual social circle increased in the main cities of Auckland, Wellington and in Canterbury.  The gay community travelled to those cities to attend parties and socialise at the beach, the races and private homes.

 

This Coalition for Homosexual Lew
        Reform poster was designed by
Malcolm McAlister. Its reads
 'Support the Bill; equality for all
lesbians and gays.
 Public Meeting, Opera House 1985'

In 1964 a legal reform was reinforced after the murder of a gay man in Christchurch. The people cried out for a change in the attitudes towards homosexuality. In 1967 gay people wanted to be recognised and the gay community was encouraged to come together. Homosexuality attitude shifted to homophobia (dislike of homosexuality), which helped bring together gay and lesbian activism.  In 1985 there was a push to legalise sex between males over age 16 and abolish discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. From here things got better, and in 1993 reforms to human rights have finally come through. There is no more discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

In 2004 the Civil Union Act allowed same sex (and heterosexual) couples to enter into a legally recognised union which provided them with the same entitlement as marriage. However, this law had its downfall, as gay couples were not allowed to adopt children. The thing that makes me confused about rights and gay marriage, is that gay people can register their union but do not have the same rights as heterosexual married couples. Is that not a basic human right? So what is the point to have a civil union marriage? The way I see it, civil union still separate groups. It does not make sense that gay couples use the same terminology such as bride, groom and wedding, but are not recognised by society as married.

Society changes around the world, and there is a global movement and push to legalise gay marriage. So how do New Zealand move forward with the world?

References:

Brickell, C. (2012). Gay men’s lives. Retrieved from  http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/gay-men-              

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