The International Research Institute for Mäori and Indigenous Education
There is no foundation to the claim that homosexuality has no place in Maori society,” says Dr Leonie Pihama, Director
of the International Research Centre on Indigenous Education.
Within the last few weeks a number of people have made statements suggesting that homosexuality cannot be reconciled
with Christian beliefs. This morning on national television, Bishop Vercoe made a number of claims which would lead
people to believe that there is no cultural reason to believe that homosexuality existed in pre-European society and
that this justifies the homophobia that exists today.
Recent research into Maori sexuality refutes claims such as those made by Bishop Vercoe. This is supported by Te
Herekiekie Herewini, the Kaiwhakahaere for the New Zealand Aids Foundation who states that "there is clear evidence that
pre-European Maori sexuality was far more accepting of sexual diversity and difference than is the case today.
Furthermore, we know that the imposition of a western way of looking at the world, based on Christian concepts and
beliefs, was responsible for an erosion of traditional cultural practices and values. This was especially so in relation
to sexuality."
Researcher Dr Clive Aspin also noted that such statements mere serve to create a environment that is unsafe for Mäori
gay men and lesbians “It is important that the Maori community and young people in particular are given the opportunity
to understand the truth about our sexuality from an historical point of view,” says Dr Aspin. “Inaccurate views of
sexuality have had a huge negative impact on young people and we have to work hard to ensure that our young people grow
up in a society that is free from discrimination and intolerance around issues related to sexuality.”
“Sexuality plays a fundamental role in how people view themselves. This is especially important with regard to health
status. With Maori being disproportionately represented among people with poor health status, there is an obligation on
everyone to ensure that people receive clear and accurate information about the history of our sexuality,” states Dr
Pihama.