An estimated 700 people celebrated the 30th anniversary of the passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill in downtown Auckland last night in what was the biggest of several events being held around the country to mark the day when Parliament finally decriminalised physical love between gay and bisexual men. Annie Crummer in full diva mode Hosted by Sky City and Rainbow Auckland, the colourful and noisy gala and party attracted a wide range of ages and sexualities and friends and supporters of glbti people, many of whom dressed formally for the event. Entertainers throughout the evening included the Topp Twins, who sang a personal tribute to the bill's parliamentary sponsor Fran Wilde, Annie Crummer, Mika, aerial acrobats and dancers Taane Mete and Ardon England. MCs for the night were Alison Mau and Colin Mathura-Jeffree. MCs Alison Mau and Colin Mathura-Jeffree Brief speeches by Wilde, Lousa Wall MP, deputy mayor Penny Hulse and Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye received enthusiastic responses from the crowd. Wall told the crowd the passing of the bill was a great example "of what we can achieve if we work together." Kay acknowledged those in the crowd who had been active in the campaign for law reform and those who are still working for equality for others in the glbti communities. "We are in the presence of incredible warriors," she said. The Topp Twins serenade Fran Wilde Hulse told the cheering gathering that the glbti communities "are what makes Auckland beautiful" and in a well-received video ex-Prime Minister and now UN heavyweight Helen Clark noted that the bill's passing restored to a downtrodden part of society some "human dignity," paved the way for other important social legislation and "underscored the fight against HIV." Helen Clark via video First photos of the Gala, by Andrea, are available here, with more to be added shortly.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 10th July 2016 - 7:15pm