Gay Marriage - Court Case

Papers will be filed in the Auckland High Court this week by three lesbian couples seeking the legal right to marry. The women from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have all been turned down by registry offices in their cities and one couple has also complained to the Human Rights Commission.

The Marriage Act 1955 is currently silent on the need for parties to a marriage to be of the opposite sex. The current refusal by registry offices to issue a licence for same sex couples rest on common law. However marriages are now allowed where one partner has changed gender.

The basis for the case is the 1993 Human Rights Amendment Bill which banned discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, Dr Rodney Harrison, the women lawyers said.

The women are raising $20,000 for the legal battle

Nelson's Bay TV and express Report

A campaign has been launched to have Nelson's Bay TV change its policy on not screening the gay news and lifestyle programme express Report. Bay TV have stated they will not take the show as it does not fit into its family values.

Members of the Nelson gay and lesbian community have challenged this decision and are now organising a letter writing campaign against this decision.

Bays TV fax number is +64-3-548-8400.

HERO Parade

Both the police and HERO project organisers have praised the atmosphere at HERO parade last week.

Police planning officer, Inspector Derek Davison said the Ponsonby venue seemed better suited because of the length of the parade route and there were lots of businesses able to add atmosphere. Events in Queen St have perhaps been a little sterile he added.

HERO Project director, Scott Johnson, said "we are completely thrilled with the atmosphere, the crowd numbers and behaviour. There were no anti-gay hecklers and everbody seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Ponsonby Business Association spokesman Phil Matthias said "it was awesome and I think everyone had a good night. I think the jubilation of the crown spoke for itself.

Gay TV and Radio

Television

Express Report every Monday 10pm on ATV, Capital City, Coast to Coast, Southern and CTV.

Four Weddings and A Funeral, Sky TV Sunday February 25 10:15pm and Thursday 29th 6:30pm - Well just scraps in with a gay couple in the film.
The Sum Of Us, Sky TV Sunday March 3 8:30pm
M Butterfly, Sky TV Thursday March 7 12:05am

Radio

Regular gay and lesbian shows

Auckland - G & T Show, 810AM Access Radio, Thursday 7 to 8am
Auckland - This Way Out, 810AM Access Radio, Saturday 11:40am
Auckland - In The Pink, 95BFM Student Radio, Sunday 8 to 9pm
Auckland - Girls Own Show, 95BFM Student Radio, Sunday 7 to 8pm
Hamilton - Different Strokes, 89FM Student Radio, Sunday 8pm
Wellington - Gay BC, 783AM Access Radio, Gay BC, Saturdays 11:15 - 12:15
Wellington - Reading Lesbian Writers, 783AM Access Radio,Saturdays, 1.15 - 1.30pm
Wellington - Lesbian Radio Programme, 783AM Access Radio,Sundays, 10 - 11 am
Wellington - Boy Trouble, 89FM Student Radio, Sunday 6-7pm
Nelson/Motueka - Gaytime FM, 90.4FM Fresh FM, Sunday 11am
Christchurch - Loud & Queer, RDU 98.3FM Student Radio,Wednesday 6pm to 7pm
Christchurch - Outwaves, 96.9FM Plains FM, Every 2nd Monday 8pm
Dunedin -Lesbian Show, 91FM Radio One, Tuesday 6pm
Dunedin -Tea with the Boys, 91FM Radio One, Thursday 6pm

None this week.

Events - Upcoming

Auckland Community Church - 31 March 1996.
Wellington Blatant GLBT Dance - 30 March 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 30 March 1996
Wellington Gay/Lesbian Fair - 30 March 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 27 March 1996
Auckland Community Church - 24 March 1996.
Wellington Lesbian Overland and Cafe Club - 24 March 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 23 March 1996
Auckland Community Church - 20 March 1996.
Wellington Ascent Discussion Evening - 20 March 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 20 March 1996
Auckland Community Church - 17 March 1996.
Wellington Lesbian Mountain Bike Riders - 17 March 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 16 March 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 13 March 1996
Auckland Community Church - 10 March 1996.
Wellington Lesbian Overland and Cafe Club - 10 March 1996
Auckland Gay Tramping Group, March 10 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 9 March 1996
Dunedin Absolutely Fabulous Dance - 6 March 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 6 March 1996
Wellington Lesbian Matrimonial Property Act discussion - 3 March 1996
Auckland Community Church - 3 March 1996.
Christchurch Dance - 2 March 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 2 March 1996
Hutt Lesbian Group - 1 March 1996
Palmerston North Manic Opera Perform - 29 February 1996
Wellington Lesbian Library (LILAC) - 28 February 1996
Christchurch Heavenly Creatures - 28 February 1996
Christchurch Channa Miriam at Lincoln - 28 February 1996
Wellington Manic Opera Perform - 28 February 1996
Palermston North Platforms & Plimsols,Glitter & Glam - 28 February 1996
Auckland Community Church - 27 February 1996.
Auckland Manic Opera Perform - 28 February 1996
Auckland Community Church - 25 February 1996.
Wellington Lesbian Overland and Cafe Club - 25 February 1996
Wellington Lesbian Quarterly Deadline - 25 February 1996

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