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| irn | 3515 |
| master_filename | 000904_MIX_homosexual_law_reform_petition_1968_ai_voice.wav |
| master_md5 | 43BD49A8F6B166C6FC1720D5E087869E |
| master_duration | 17:39 |
| master_sample_rate | 44.1 kHz |
| master_bit_depth | 16 bit |
| master_channels | 1 |
| media_reference | 000904 |
| media_source | PrideNZ.com |
| copyright_position | In copyright |
| copyright_ownership | Gareth Watkins (PrideNZ.com) |
| copyright_ownership_note | |
| submitted_to_nlnz | |
| public_url | https://www.pridenz.com/homosexual_law_reform_petition_report_back_8_november_1968_ai_voice.html |
| meta_url | https://www.pridenz.com/data/media/meta/3515.html |
| plain_text_url | https://www.pridenz.com/plaintext/homosexual_law_reform_petition_report_back_8_november_1968_ai_voice.txt |
| production_date | 08-11-1968 |
| production_day | 08 |
| production_month | 11 |
| production_year | 1968 |
| recording_type | Parliament |
| series | |
| sub_series | |
| title | Homosexual Law Reform petition - report of the Petitions Committee |
| description | On 8 November 1968 Parliament heard the report back from the Petitions Committee relating to the recent Homosexual Law Reform petition. This recording was created by AI computer voices reading the parliamentary transcript. Details. 00:04 - Gordon Grieve. 02:36 - Arnold Nordmeyer. 05:46 - Rob Talbot. 08:24 - Martyn Finlay. 12:14 - John Rae. |
| summary_computer_generated | The recording features parliamentary discussions about a petition by the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society, which sought to amend the Crimes Act 1961 regarding homosexual acts. The Petitions Committee presented a report without a recommendation after considering evidence from the society and other sources. Gordon Grieve emphasized the emotional nature of the subject and acknowledged contributions from experts like Dr. McLachlan and Dr. Mackay. Grieve personally expressed their revulsion towards homosexuality and their belief that legalizing homosexual acts would undermine societal moral standards. They were surprised and disappointed by some church leaders' support for legalizing homosexuality, given its contradiction with religious teachings. Arnold Nordmeyer, who presented the petition, acknowledged the committee's thorough examination but suggested a deeper independent inquiry, possibly by a Royal Commission. Nordmeyer highlighted the UK's Wolfenden Commission's recommendation to decriminalize homosexual offenses, noting that the commission did not comment on the morality of the acts but rather on their criminality. Rob Talbot strongly supported the committee's findings. Talbot stressed the importance of maintaining moral standards and expressed concern that legalizing homosexual acts could harm the nation's moral and spiritual fiber. They also doubted the majority of churchgoers' support for changing the law. Martyn Finlay expressed disappointment in the committee's negative finding and advocated for an independent inquiry to study the issue more comprehensively. Finlay argued that homosexuality is not a deliberate choice but a symptom of a deeper issue, and that imprisonment is not a solution. They also suggested that everyone might possess latent elements of homosexuality. John Rae echoed the sentiment that further inquiry was needed before any law change, noting the importance of the Wolfenden report in Britain and the need to observe its effects. Rae also addressed the petition's goal of legalizing homosexual acts between consenting adults while still protecting younger individuals. Overall, the recording captures a critical historical moment in New Zealand's debate over homosexual law reform, reflecting the tensions between moral, legal, and social perspectives on homosexuality. |
| interviewer | |
| voices | Arnold Nordmeyer (voiced); Gordon Grieve (voiced); John Rae (voiced); Martyn Finlay (voiced); Rob Talbot (voiced) |
| tags | ai voice; Member of Parliament; Parliament buildings; Arnold Nordmeyer; Gordon Grieve; John Rae; Martyn Finlay; Rob Talbot |
| tags_computer_generated | Youth; family; Wellington; law; police; Homosexual Law Reform Society; United Kingdom; support; crime; social; community; Wolfenden report; prison; respect; nature; fear; church; government; study; Bible; justice; morality; desire; behaviour; attitude; hope; social change; Porirua; change; conservative; opportunity; prayer; assumptions; convictions; sodomy; judgement; individual; activities; other; expression; public opinion; letter; actions; hospital; unnatural; strength; future; suppression; face; witness; emotional; normal; petition; Royal Commission; Police Gazette; People; legislation; imprisonment; treat; time; Island Bay; period |
| location_name | Parliament buildings |
| location | 1 Molesworth Street |
| broader_location | Wellington |
| location_lat | -41.27788120419163 |
| location_long | 174.77684170134955 |
| precise_locality | true |