Pelican Books (Press, 27 August 1960)

In a review published on 27 August 1960, D.J. West's book "Homosexuality" is acknowledged for contributing to the understanding of a topic often surrounded by misunderstanding and stigma. The commentary emphasises that many people wrongly believe male homosexuals pose a significant risk to children, despite a lack of evidence suggesting that homosexuals are more likely than heterosexuals to engage in such behaviour. The review highlights that the majority of homosexuals have no sexual interest in children. West argues that homosexuality is a common condition, often unrecognised by individuals who encounter it among their acquaintances. The structure of the book is divided into two parts: the first half presents the fundamental facts about homosexuality, while the second half explores its potential causes and offers suggestions for prevention and treatment. However, the reviewer expresses a desire for a more critical treatment of psychoanalytical literature about the origins of homosexuality, suggesting that the existing literature is voluminous but lacks substantive insights. In discussing treatment, West views prolonged psychoanalysis as potentially beneficial but acknowledges its limited success rate. He urges a reform of penal laws to create parity between homosexuals and heterosexuals and stresses that such reforms are vital for prevention efforts. West criticises the idea that imprisonment serves any purpose for treatment, arguing that it is fundamentally ineffective, much like attempting to treat a chronic alcoholic with occupational therapy in a brewery. The review further addresses broader implications for the judicial system, referencing the Lord Chief Justice’s remarks suggesting a concerning shift where courts may begin to prioritise administrative action over their responsibilities as independent arbiters of justice. The notion that judges could become tools of the administration rather than upholders of the law raises alarm for the reviewer. It concludes with hope that this does not reflect the attitudes of the judiciary as a whole, indicating a deep concern for the integrity of judicial independence in the face of government influence. Overall, Dr. West's book is appreciated for its useful and objective survey of a complex issue, suggesting that thoughtful discourse is essential in working towards understanding and reform regarding homosexuality.

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