Insight. 1985, Homosexual Law reform: The petitions, the debate.

Rights Information
Year
1985
Reference
30484
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1985
Reference
30484
Media type
Audio
Categories
Documentary radio programs
Nonfiction radio programs
Radio programs
Sound recordings
Duration
00:30:12
Broadcast Date
02 Jun 1985
Credits
RNZ Collection
Hay, Keith Wilson, 1917-1997, Speaker/Kaikōrero
Wilde, Fran, Speaker/Kaikōrero
Murray, Bruce, Speaker/Kaikōrero
Ward, Petina, Speaker/Kaikōrero
Radio New Zealand. National Programme (estab. 1964, closed 1986), Broadcaster

This programme explores the debate around a petition opposed to the Homosexual Law Reform Bill and allegations people are being unfairly pressured into signing it.

Keith Hay, one of the organisers behind the petition opposed to the bill, is interviewed and responds to his fellow studio guest and phone-in callers. Wellington Central M.P. Fran Wilde is the other studio guest.

Various callers relate instances of intimidation, harassment, coercion and unauthorised petitioners on school grounds. Ian Mitchell, a senior teacher at Hillary College and Justice of Peace, says petitioners were getting children to sign at the school gate using aggressive language.
Dr Michael Vitilich [?] from Penrose High School says similar harassment has been happening on his school grounds.
Janice Campbell of Wellington East Girls College says some of her pupils have also signed the petition but didn't know what they were signing.
Sue Greenstreet, a nurse form Auckland says she is concerned that health professionals are canvassing elderly patients for signatures.
Bruce Murray of Naenae College also comments.
The petition contained over 700,000 signatures at this point. This debate occurred prior to the Bill being discussed by the Select Committee.