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Homosexuality Hearings Continue Of Case For Law... (Press, 31 October 1968)

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Summary: Homosexuality Hearings Continue Of Case For Law... (Press, 31 October 1968)

On 30 October 1968, the Parliamentary Petitions Committee in Wellington continued hearings regarding a petition from the Homosexual Law Reform Society, which seeks to amend the Crimes Act of 1961 to decriminalise homosexual acts between consenting adult males in private. Professor J. H. Robb, the president of the society, informed the committee that while legalising such acts would not completely eliminate blackmail, it would significantly improve the situation by removing the threat of criminal prosecution, which is commonly exploited by blackmailers. However, he acknowledged that blackmailers could still resort to exposing a person's identity to their family. In his testimony, Robb challenged the notion that clergy who engage in homosexual acts should not preach, stating that homosexuals exist across all professions, including parliamentarians. He disagreed with claims that legalising homosexual acts might result in increased male prostitution. During questioning, Mr R. MacDonald expressed concern about the implications of clergymen being hypocritical while serving the church and highlighted the traditional stance of several religious institutions against homosexuality. The Rev. W. F. Ford from the Wellington District Methodist Church remarked that while churches consider homosexuality contrary to Christian morals, legal action is not the most effective method to address homosexuality issues. He mentioned that discussions within his church have revealed a general acceptance of the need for law reform regarding homosexuality. Professor Robb countered claims that a lack of increasing homosexual offences negates the need for legal reform. He argued that, considering approximately 4 to 5 percent of the population may identify as homosexual, their rights and circumstances warrant legislative change, similar to what would occur for any substantial minority group facing societal challenges. Mr Grieve, the committee chairman, pressed Ford about the compatibility of his arguments with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Ford maintained his belief that advocating for reform aligns with Christian tenets of compassion and forgiveness, albeit acknowledging Christ’s broader moral perspectives against adultery and similar actions. The committee is expected to hear additional opinions from Dr M. G. McKay, the superintendent of the Porirua Psychiatric Hospital, in the following week, after which the committee will deliberate on the petition for potential reforms.

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Publish Date:31st October 1968
URL:https://www.pridenz.com/paperspast_chp19681031_2_176.html