New Zealand embraces diversity

New Zealand embraces diversity

In September 2008 the New Zealand Parliament dedicated a committee room to the LGBT community. Named the Rainbow Room, the sentiment was supported by all major political parties.

It is appropriate that it is with select committee rooms that we recognise all members of our society and the paths they have taken to full citizenship with equal rights, said Margaret Wilson, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Auckland-born Craig, 35, remembers when his country wasn’t so accepting of diversity.

My teenage years were surrounded by homophobia. At that time I don’t remember hearing a positive comment about gay people, he said.

The current laws give the impression the country has become very progressive. While the situation now is certainly better than when I was a child, I don’t believe New Zealand society is completely gay-friendly. I think the political leaders are actually more progressive in their views than the general population.

In June 2001, openly gay Labour MP Tim Barnett threw his support behind a Civil Union Bill. It would take three years before the Bill was officially tabled in Parliament.

This Bill was controversial. Conservative Christians are typically given a voice in these sorts of debates, Craig said.

In arguing against civil unions, Brian Tamaki, leader of Destiny, a Pentecostal church said, It is right and natural to uphold and protect family, the institution of marriage, and of course our children and grandchildren.

The Bill was passed in December 2004 by 65 votes to 55. It took effect in April 2005, and offered both heterosexual and same-sex couples the opportunity to register their relationship to gain legal recognition.

Chris Carter, the country’s first openly gay Cabinet minister said after the vote, Today I sense tremendous joy and enthusiasm. We will have an opportunity we have always been denied.
The country’s first transsexual, Georgina Beyer, was also an MP at the time.

Transsexuals suffer so much discrimination not just in New Zealand but everywhere. She was elected based on her success as a mayor. She is testament that no matter what your sexuality, you can succeed, Craig said.

The Civil Union Bill was passed by a left-of-centre Government. We had politicians who were very passionate about gay rights and were determined to push this Bill through.

The current left-leaning Rudd Government doesn’t seem to have the passion to enact same-sex marriage here in Australia.

Last November, Helen Clark’s Labour Party lost power to John Key’s right-leaning National Party. In February this year, Key spoke at Auckland’s Big Gay Out, a pride celebration picnic.

I want you to take some comfort from the fact that there aren’t going to be any changes in the law. We’re not going to erode any of the rights that you’ve worked hard for over the last decade, he said.
It is heartening to know there won’t be any attempt to repeal the laws, Craig said.

Craig, who works in IT, has been living in Sydney since 2001.

I wanted to live somewhere else and have an overseas experience. I also wanted to leave the environment I was in, to re-assess my sexuality. Sydney sounded livelier than Melbourne.

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One response to “New Zealand embraces diversity”

  1. Yet here in Australia there is not one openly out gay or lesbian member of the House of Representatives in any parliament, state or federal.