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NZ's 1986 Homosexual Law Reform Ends Male Prosecutions

8/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand’s Homosexual Law Reform Bill took effect on August 8, 1986, ending police prosecution of consensual male sex aged 16 and over.
Euan Thomson, 82, grew up gay in Mornington, was called “Doris,” and faced stigma when homosexuality was deemed a mental illness.
He now holds hands publicly, praises the Mornington Methodist Church’s pride flag, and says a possible hate attack on John Wilson Ocean Drive knocked him down.

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Story summary

New Zealand’s Homosexual Law Reform Bill took effect on August 8, 1986, ending police prosecution of consensual male sex aged 16 and over.
Euan Thomson, 82, grew up gay in Mornington, was called “Doris,” and faced stigma when homosexuality was deemed a mental illness.
He now holds hands publicly, praises the Mornington Methodist Church’s pride flag, and says a possible hate attack on John Wilson Ocean Drive knocked him down.