Decriminalisation of sex between men aged over 16 was passed 35 years ago, in a conscience vote that is being celebrated by politicians and campaigners.
The Homosexual Law Reform Act - a member's bill introduced by Wellington Central MP Fran Wilde - was passed 35 years ago on Friday - by a 49 to 44 majority in a conscience vote - on 9 July 1986.
The bill removed provisions from the Crimes Act that made consensual anal sex and sex between men illegal came into effect on 8 August that year after bitter social debate.
It also made it illegal to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation in employment, accommodation or goods and services.
LGBTQI+ community members and MPs gathered at Parliament at dawn today to celebrate and remember the passing of the bill, which had the public gallery at Parliament packed with supporters, and an opponents' protest vigil on Parliament grounds outside.
Wilde told RNZ it had been a years-long campaign, and a tough one.
"We thought we had the numbers but you're never quite sure," she said. "So it was great, lot of jubilation around this place here, around Parliament."
LGBTQI+ community members and supporters gathered at Parliament on the eve of the 35-year anniversary of the passage of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
