‘Bigotry’ On Homosexuality (Press, 21 June 1967)

On 21 June 1967, Mr P. H. T. Alpers, a Christchurch lawyer, addressed the New Brighton Lions' Club, arguing against the condemnation of homosexuals as depraved. He asserted that the high rates of venereal disease and illegitimacy among heterosexuals in Christchurch rendered it one of the most immoral cities globally. While acknowledging that some homosexual acts could not be labelled as loving, he also critiqued heterosexual behaviour and suggested that heterosexuals had no grounds for pride. Alpers expressed his belief that the imprisonment of homosexuals was detrimental, as it drove them further into their sexual identity. He noted that societal attitudes towards homosexuality were heavily influenced by prejudice and ignorance, which hindered open discussion. According to him, societal abhorrence and condemnation exacerbated the shame felt by homosexuals, leading them to isolate themselves and sometimes engage in more extreme behaviours. The lawyer highlighted that many common judicial statements, such as "This man has corrupted these boys," were misguided. He argued that attempting to 'corrupt' a boy does not automatically make him homosexual, noting that early sexual exploration among boys, which included masturbation, often did not result in homosexuality. He claimed that the boys most likely to develop an orientation towards homosexuality were those who felt disgusted and ashamed of adolescent sexual activities rather than those who openly engaged in them. Despite acknowledging discussions such as the Wolfenden Report advocating for changes in the legal approach to homosexuality, Alpers believed significant legal reform in New Zealand was unlikely in the near future, likening the issue to the complex topic of licensing laws. He argued that homosexuality, though deemed unnatural by some, was common in nature, historical society, and even praised in certain cultures. Alpers associated childhood experiences with early sexual orientation development, suggesting that excessive maternal possessiveness or a lack of female interaction could influence boys towards homosexuality. He indicated that this phenomenon was rooted in early family dynamics rather than being a product of heredity or infection. In terms of religious perspectives, Alpers noted a shift among clergy concerning homosexuality. Some churchmen now regarded feelings of attraction as not inherently wrong, although there remained division on whether homosexual practices constituted a sin. He pointed out that homosexuality appeared to be present across all societal classes and that there was no evidence to suggest it was on the rise or decline. Concluding his remarks, Alpers stated that societal attitudes should lean towards ignoring but not condoning homosexual practices, dismissing recommendations like castration as fundamentally unhelpful and uninformed.

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