Meeting Discusses Homosexuality Law (Press, 12 October 1967)

At a meeting organised by the Howard League for Penal Reform on 11 October 1967, Dr J. R. E. Dobson criticised a detective superintendent for making unfounded statements regarding the dangers of homosexual practices. Dr Dobson asserted that there is insufficient evidence to support claims of degradation linked to homosexuality. He challenged the superintendent to provide evidence, which he failed to do, leading Dobson to declare him condemned for his lack of substantiation. He expressed concern over the ignorance surrounding homosexuality, noting that the public often refrains from educating themselves on the topic and thus allows laws that persecute a minority to persist. Dr Dobson also argued against police surveillance of public lavatories during times of budget cuts. The meeting was attended by roughly 30 participants and chaired by Mr P. H. T. Alpers. Alpers noted that the time was right to address the issue, explaining that New Zealand had traditionally followed English statutes without question. He remarked on the reluctance to discuss homosexuality openly, although the Wolfenden Report was causing some people to reconsider their views. He highlighted two key developments that prompted the meeting: the Christchurch magistrate’s decision to discharge two individuals under the Criminal Justice Act, which was later sent back for reconsideration by a Supreme Court ruling, and a speech by the Minister of Justice, Mr Hanan, at Victoria University, where he appeared open to the idea of liberalising laws surrounding homosexuality. Alpers pointed out that while the Minister suggested public opinion did not currently favour reform, this notion was debatable, especially since public sentiment had also influenced the Minister to make critical remarks about the Indecent Publications Tribunal. He questioned whether public opinion should dictate government policy on the issue, suggesting that those who are informed and have engaged with the topic should have a greater say. The chairman further discussed the justification for penal laws as serving to deter and represent public disapproval, questioning their effectiveness. He argued that instead of acting as a deterrent, existing laws create a secretive environment that might exacerbate the situation. Alpers contended that homosexual practices, when consensual and between adults, do not pose a threat to the state or society. He dismissed the notion that these practices lead to corruption, asserting that the idea that someone could be easily swayed into homosexuality was fundamentally flawed. Rev. W. S. Dawson added that homosexuality is a human issue and should be approached with compassion and openness to dialogue. He acknowledged that there is much more to learn about the complexities of the problem. However, some speakers expressed opposition to reform, citing that homosexual practices contradict Christian teachings, indicating a divergence of opinions in the discussion.

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