Homosexual Law Reform Supported (Press, 22 June 1966)

On 21 June 1966, the clergy/doctor committee of the Anglican Synod in Auckland proposed significant reforms concerning homosexuality, advocating for the legalisation of consensual homosexual acts among adults. This recommendation emerged after extensive study by the committee, which also called for a revision of the current penal system addressing homosexual offenders. The Bishop of Auckland, the Rt. Rev. A. E. Gowing, conveyed these recommendations to the Synod, emphasising that while the Church maintains its condemnation of homosexuality as sin, incarceration is not a suitable response. He articulated the necessity of finding more constructive ways to assist those deemed sinners, stating, “The urgent question is: How best can the sinner be helped?” He reiterated that the recommendations should not be viewed as a compromise on the Church’s moral position. In a related context, Bishop Gowing addressed broader societal issues in his speech to the Synod. He expressed concern about the rise of striptease clubs, linking their existence to the exploitation of sexual themes, and highlighted an alarming increase in venereal diseases and rates of illegitimacy within the community. Addressing the need for stricter regulations, he called for greater protections for younger audiences under 21 from such establishments. He reported a significant one-third increase in venereal disease cases in Auckland over the previous year, noting that the incidence among individuals under 20 had substantially escalated, more than doubling over three years. Bishop Gowing urged the community to better educate young people about the dangers of promiscuity, emphasising the Christian view that sexual intercourse is intended as a sacred expression of unity solely within marriage. He also reflected on the unsatisfactory statistic regarding illegitimate births, which stood at one in nine births, not accounting for those who had undergone abortions, describing it as indicative of a broader malaise affecting societal and sexual dynamics. He called on society to support unmarried mothers and encourage adherence to the highest moral standards. Overall, the Synod highlighted a complex interplay of moral, social, and health concerns, with a focus on reforming both attitudes and legal frameworks surrounding these pressing issues.

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