Mardi gras for ‘gay’ reform

Press, 11 September 1985, Page 9

Mardi gras for ‘gay’ reform

A mardi gras will be held in Cathedral Square on Friday evening in support of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Friday, being September 13, has been declared “National Pink and Black Day” by supporters of homosexual law reform. It will be celebrated in different ways in the main centres. In Christchurch, the Lesbian and Gay Rights Action Group has organised a mardi gras which will begin in- the Square at 7 p.m. A march in the central city will end back in the Square. The gathering will be addressed by the member of Parliament for Sydenham, Mr Jim Anderton, who will speak in support of the bill. A representative of the

newly formed group, Heterosexuals Unafraid of Gays (H.U.G.) will speak also as will someone from the Hospital and Hotel Workers’ Union, a Christian representative, and a feminist, Ms Rosemary Novitz. Various artists will perform including musicians and clowns. The Lebsian and Gay Rights Action Group was encouraging the public to help create a mardi gras atmosphere, said a representative of the group, Ms Anne Barnes. “The Lesbian and Gay Rights Action Group feels that the mardi gras is a good way for different people who would otherwise not meet to come together in support of the bill and lesbian and gay rights.”