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1pm, SUNDAY 19th OCTOBER 20252025 marks the 40th anniversary of the introduction in 1985, of the Homosexual Law Reform bill. The bill set out to decriminalise homosexual activity between consenting adults and make it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation.
But this wasn’t the first attempt at homosexual law reform. Join us on this special 90-minute free walk tour to celebrate the people and movements that fought for a brighter future for rainbow communities.
Our journey begins at the location of the first public meeting in New Zealand, advocating for homosexual law reform in 1967. This was two years before the Stonewall uprising in the U.S. which went on to ignite Gay Liberation around the world.
The tour ends at Parliament, where we honour the Members of Parliament who have championed equality over the last five decades.
Along the way, we’ll reflect on some of the difficult realities rainbow communities have faced, from the injustices of the legal system, to the stances of the medical profession, churches and the military. As the late activist Ralph Knowles recalls, “As far as medicine was concerned, it was sick. As far as the law was concerned, it was a crime. As far as the church was concerned, it was a sin.”
Though at times the stories are challenging, this walk tour is ultimately uplifting, as we pay tribute to our amazing rainbow kaumatua and allies who led the way.
COST: Free, but please register so we can manage the number of walkers: https://walktoursnz.wordpress.com/book/
DATE/TIME: 1pm, Sunday 19th October 2025
STARTS: meet at the rugby sculpture, Jack Ilott Green, corner of Harris Street & Jervois Quay (just by Civic Square)
ENDS: Parliament grounds
DURATION: 1 hour 30mins
ACCESSIBILITY: the tour is on flat public footpaths, with a light incline as we enter Parliament grounds. Tours are limited to approximately 20 walkers.
This tour is part of the amazing Wellington Heritage Festival - https://wellingtonheritagefestival.co.nz
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Jack Ilott Green, 150 Jervois Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand, Wellington
