Time to honour those who fought for the human rights of gay New Zealanders - Human Rights Commission

Thirty years since the Homosexual Law Reform Bill became law, the Human Rights Commission says it’s time to honour those who fought for the human rights of gay New Zealanders.

“Our Government regularly honours New Zealanders who do extraordinary things: I think it’s time for our Government to honour New Zealanders who fought for the human rights of gay New Zealanders at a time when it was incredibly dangerous to do so,” said Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley.

“Whenever I think about hatred, I think back to 1985 and 1986. I was a young guy and involved in gay rights activism and the hatred we encountered from fellow Kiwis was vicious, brutal and palpable.”

“The people who led us were very brave people indeed. As well as the physical attacks they risked exposure to public condemnation in every aspect of their personal and professional lives. They risked being denied basic human rights - work, accommodation, equal treatment under the law - all because they stood up to be counted. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”

This Friday the gay community in Christchurch will publicly acknowledge those who worked for LGBTIQ rights at a celebration dinner.

“We are very lucky to have Bill Logan as our keynote speaker. Bill is one of those brave ones, the key driver behind the Gay Task Force in Wellington during the 80s,” said Mr Tankersley.

Q-topia, the Christchurch rainbow youth group has developed a rainbow history project and some of their work will be presented during the evening.

The HLR 30 Dinner and Dance is being held on FRIDAY 29th July at Rydges on Latimer Square.

Ticket sales for the 100-person Dinner are closed, however the Dance that follows run from 9.00pm, – 3.00am, and tickets for that can be bought at the door.

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