Homosexual Charges (Press, 26 July 1967)

In a correspondence published in "The Press" on 26 July 1967, various writers expressed their views on a recent decision by a magistrate regarding the treatment of homosexual offences in New Zealand. One contributor, T.M.S., argued that a conviction for homosexuality would not further diminish the dignity of individuals already seen unfavourably by society. He cautioned against the potential for the nation to become more accepting of prostitution and sexual perversion, suggesting that individuals should feel compelled to keep their actions secret if they are to avoid punishment. In contrast, another writer, signing as MICHAELANGELO. PLATO. TCHAIKOVSKY, praised the magistrate, Mr H. J. Evans, for his bold and enlightened decision, asserting that it was significant in the larger context of individual rights versus state authority. He clarified that the magistrate had not changed the law but had applied it correctly, referencing a prior case where different facts had led to a different outcome. This decision, he claimed, could be considered one of the most important rulings from a New Zealand criminal court in recent years. A. B. CEDARIAN highlighted what he viewed as the moral implications of homosexual reform, suggesting that if advocates for homosexuality cannot prove its benefits, they risk causing psychological harm to many individuals. He argued that the current laws, although flawed, might deter individuals from pursuing "unwholesome" behaviours, noting that the suffering caused by prosecution must be weighed against the potential harms of legalising homosexuality. A concerned correspondent expressed shock at the magistrate's decision not to convict two men who openly admitted to engaging in homosexual acts. They noted that while England had legalised such practices for consenting males in private, no similar law existed in New Zealand. This writer anticipated that, should legislation permitting homosexual acts be introduced, it could lead to increased disregard for social restraint and a rise in homosexual behaviour, further asserting the need for treatment for those they deemed mentally unwell rather than acceptance of these practices. The correspondence indicates a significant debate within New Zealand about homosexuality, individual rights, and societal values at the time, with various perspectives revealing deep divisions in public opinion regarding the issue. The discussion was ultimately closed by the editorial team of "The Press."

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