Homosexual Law (Press, 14 June 1967)

In a series of letters published on 14 June 1967, various correspondents expressed their views on the issue of homosexuality and the potential reform of laws concerning it. K. Chamberlain highlighted the complexities surrounding treatment for homosexuals, noting that many individuals in the homosexual community resign to feeling "different" and may not even seek treatment due to its current ineffectiveness. Chamberlain argued against the idea of enforced treatment in penal systems and pointed out the importance of distinguishing between paedophiles, who can offend against both genders, and the "true" homosexuals, who generally do not engage with minors. The writer asserted that current reformers seek changes in law specifically for the latter group and that safeguards for minors could be integrated into any new legislation. They also mentioned that evidence suggests youthful homosexual experiences do not necessarily lead to later homosexual activity. In contrast, another correspondent, writing under the name Vulcan, discussed the definition of homosexuality and presented a concern that not all homosexuals exhibit outwardly effeminate traits. Vulcan referred to the potential for psychological treatment and suggested that instead of reforming laws to accommodate homosexuals, legislation should focus on incorporating treatment options for those who experience homosexual desires. Another letter, from a writer identified as Parent, condemned homosexuality and expressed concern about its implications for young people. Parent suggested that police, despite their integrity, could inadvertently harm youths by using derogatory terms. They argued that societal standards should return to a more traditional framework, stating that homosexuality is undesirable and advocating for its elimination rather than legalisation. The writer drew historical parallels to Victorian England, indicating that similar measures could potentially banish homosexuality in present times, akin to the situation in modern Russia. These letters reflect a diversity of opinions regarding homosexuality, treatment, and the law, alongside the broader societal attitudes of the time. The correspondents grappled with complex issues of morality, legality, and psychological health, deliberating on the appropriate response to homosexual behaviour within the framework of the law and social standards.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand