Penalties In Crimes Bill (Press, 23 September 1959)

On 22 September 1959, in Auckland, the president of the Holy Name Society, Mr. W. S. Otto, expressed grave concerns from Catholic men regarding certain provisions of the Crimes Bill currently under consideration in Parliament. While he acknowledged the legislators’ intent to increase penalties for specific offences against morality and public welfare, he highlighted that the bill proposed to reduce penalties related to acts of sodomy and bestiality, which he deemed abhorrent. Mr. Otto articulated that this move would be seen as an affront to Christian values, particularly by parents of teenagers. He argued that the proposed changes would weaken, rather than strengthen, the moral fabric of society. He firmly asserted that there could be no justification for accepting what he characterised as unnatural practices that violate God's natural law. Furthermore, Mr. Otto urged members of Parliament from both political parties to reject these elements of the Crimes Bill, arguing that they would lead to societal degradation. He also called for support of a newly introduced bill aimed at removing a clause in the Education Act that seemingly made Christian instruction in state schools illegal. He insisted that every New Zealand child has the right to a foundation in Christian doctrine, which he regarded as essential and a birthright that parents should advocate for.

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