Through the collections: 40 years of Homosexual Law Reform

Reflecting on a milestone in Aotearoa’s history

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the Homosexual Law Reform Act.

In 1985, Labour MP Fran Wilde’s Bill set out to decriminalise homosexual activity between consenting men over the age of 16 and make it illegal to discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation. The Bill took 16 months to make its way through Parliament. Heated meetings, street rallies and debates began almost immediately.

In July 1986, the bill was passed, by a narrow margin of 49 votes to 44. For law reformers, it was only a partial victory. The second part of the bill, which would have removed discrimination on the basis of sexuality, was rejected. It took another seven years to pass an anti-discrimination bill.

Through collections, conversations and creative activities, explore the long lead-up to the Bill and how it continues to shape the lives and rights of New Zealanders.

Take a break while you're here – HOME Café and our store, Te Amiki, will be open until 1pm.

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Programme

Join in across the day with activities, screenings, and a collection viewing.

Collection viewing

When — 10am to 1pm
Where — National Library Gallery, Ground floor

Explore collections relating to Homosexual Law Reform in Aotearoa with our friendly curators.

Featuring collections from the National Library, the Alexander Turnbull Library, Archives New Zealand, Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision and Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa.

Activity: Create your own blackout poem

When — 10am to 1pm
Where — Programme rooms, Ground floor

Take a moment to reflect by crafting your own poetic response to this significant anniversary using found materials from Papers Past. Reinterpret, reimagine, or honour an existing text by picking out your own poem. You could even enter it into our blackout poetry competition.

Presented by Blackout Poetry Aotearoa and supported by Chris Tse (New Zealand Poet Laureate 2022-2025).

More about our Blackout poetry competition

Screening: Thin Edge of the Wedge

When — 10:30am and 12:30pm (72 minutes, plus an introduction and time for questions)
Where — Taiwhanga Kauhau — Auditorium, Lower ground floor

This screening includes material some viewers may find challenging.

Experience the media landscape of 1985 and 1986 following the introduction of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill.

The documentary Thin Edge of the Wedge — Homosexual Law Reform in Aotearoa New Zealand (1985-1986) features television news bulletins about public events — both for and against reform — held throughout the country. In contrast to the mainstream media coverage, excerpts from a private recording filmed in Auckland by the Auckland Women’s Community Video Collective highlight the work and energy of the many lesbians, queer, and Indigenous activists in the campaign for equality.

Screenings will be introduced by Gareth Watkins, who curated the programme for Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision in 2016 for the 30th anniversary.

Thin Edge of the Wedge — Homosexual Law Reform in Aotearoa New Zealand (1985-1986) — Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

This event is presented as part of Queer History Month Pūmahara Ia Te Wā, in partnership with Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, Archives New Zealand, Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa, and Blackout Poetry Aotearoa.

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