Homosexual law reform wanted

Press, 23 October 1984, Page 4

Homosexual law reform wanted

PA Auckland Secondary school teachers in Auckland want their union to press for homosexual law reform. They say the law is hypocritical, discriminatory and makes it impossible for teachers to help students who came to them questioning their sexuality. The Auckland region of the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association late last week decided by 56 votes to 50 to work strongly towards homosexual law reform. The regional chairman, Ms Maryan-Street, said at the weekend that many teachers veered away from the issue because of the legal implications. “It is very difficult to talk to or counsel someone society would label an illegal being,” she said. “They are just at the stage of learning about themselves and it is absurd

that students who are trying to decide about their sexual identity are not able to talk about it freely,” she said. Frustration and aggression were often the result of Pressure on students to keep leir feelings hidden, said Ms Street. At secondary school age, many were "up in the air” about their sexuality and teachers could often link this to student’s discomfort or disruptive behaviour at school. The Auckland remit, put forward by Hillary College, would go to the national executive and other branches for discussion and assessment of support. Ms Street said the aim was not to promote homosexuality, but to work for all students to be equal before the law. “We want reform so students can be the people they are, rather than being forced to be someone they

do not feel they really are,” she said. No one opposing the remit put forward by Hillary College, felt it would "encourage greater decadence,” she said. But some felt it was outside the P.P.T.A.’s jurisdiction and should be left to parents and individuals. “It is not a new issue, but people are talking about it more,” said Ms Street. “Students will often come to a teacher rather than a parent-they don't have to live with us.” The P.P.T.A.’s sexual equality advisory committee is also preparing a paper on the rights of homosexual teachers. The committee chairman, Ms Helen Watson, said the conditions of service discriminated against homosexual members of the union, single people and anyone not legally married.