Story: Public protest

Petition: opposing gay law reform (3rd of 3)

Petition: opposing gay law reform

New Zealand's largest petition, against the decriminalisation of homosexuality, was presented to Parliament in 1985. In a media stunt, it was piled pyramid-like on Parliament’s steps, flanked by New Zealand flags. In this image MPs Norman Jones (with the umbrella), Graeme Lee and Geoff Braybrooke receive the petition. Organisers claimed it had been signed by over 800,000 people, but official scrutineers reduced that number by more than a quarter. The petition failed to deter Parliament from decriminalising homosexual acts between consenting males.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Dominion Post Collection (PAColl-7327)
Reference: EP/1985/4285

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Ben Schrader, 'Public protest - Letter writing, petitions, meetings and rallies', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/35085/petition-opposing-gay-law-reform (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Ben Schrader, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 26 Apr 2023