Apology to Iran

Press, 28 May 1979, Page 6

Apology to Iran

A spokesman for the National Gay Rights Commission, last evening gave “The Press” a copy of the letter the coalition sent to Iran’s Prime Minister. An identical letter was sent to Iran’s Minister of Justice. The spokesman said the letter was the only one the coalition had sent to Iran. The text of the letter is: “On behalf of the National Gay Rights Coalition of New Zealand, an organisation with 32 member groups and an affiliated membership of over 70,000, I must register the strongest possible protest about the loss of human rights and civil liberties for those of your countrymen that criticise your Government or act in contravention of Islamic law.

“This organisation is active in guaranteeing the rights of homosexual men and lesbian women within this country as well as abroad. Thus the news that 26 Iranians have been exexecuted for ‘sexual deviation’ we greet with horror. “On behalf of the N.G.R.C. and in conjunction with the International Gay Association I call upon you: — To stop the persecution

and execution of homosexual people. — To halt all prosecutions and court proceedings

until clear legal guidelines have been established. —- To release all persons held in custody because of their sexual orientation. '‘This Coalition is pledged to do all in its power to publicise these atrocities and seek their condemnation by the international community. “An indication of support for our suggestions will ensure that Iran can be seen to maintain its revolution without restricting individual freedoms and human rights with fairness and justice in its just fight for national self-determination and independence.”