Official Inquiry Called For Into Homosexuality (Press, 9 November 1968)

On 8 November 1968, Dr A. M. Finlay, the legal spokesman for the Labour Party, addressed Parliament advocating for the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the issue of homosexuality. He argued that such an inquiry would enable the public to examine the topic in a calm and dispassionate manner, free from emotional bias. His comments came during a debate regarding the Petitions Committee's report, which declined to recommend any changes regarding a petition put forth by the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society. The petition sought to amend the Crimes Act of 1961 to legalise homosexual acts between consenting adult males in private. The Petitions Committee had conducted public hearings last month, receiving arguments for and against the proposal. Mr G. G. Grieve, the chairman of the committee, remarked that the submissions had been thoroughly considered. He expressed personal disapproval of homosexuality and questioned the moral justification of church leaders who supported legalising homosexual acts, stating he found it puzzling given the biblical condemnation of such behaviour. Other members of the committee echoed similar sentiments, noting concerns that amending the law could lower societal moral standards and eventually harm the protection of youth. Mr A. H. Nordmeyer, who presented the petition, expressed his reservations about changing the law in light of the evidence gathered. He suggested that a comprehensive inquiry might be needed for Parliament to properly address the issue of criminalising homosexual acts. He clarified that many church leaders advocating for change still deemed homosexual acts sinful but believed legal reform was necessary. An expert testimony before the committee in favour of legalisation noted that many individuals lived in fear of the existing laws, which could lead to imprisonment. However, Mr Grieve maintained that the current laws served as a deterrent against what he labelled a "revolting" act. Another committee member, Mr R. L. G. Talbot, aligned with Grieve’s viewpoint, asserting that any legal change would lower the nation’s moral standards and provide no safeguard against the spread of what they termed "unnatural acts". Dr Finlay expressed disappointment in the committee's “no recommendation” stance, indicating that New Zealand’s social change was slower compared to other countries and suggesting that petitioners might have been premature in their approach. He reiterated the need for a scientific inquiry to address the complexities surrounding homosexuality, indicating that the current understanding was insufficient for accurate diagnosis or treatment. He suggested that a prison sentence would not rectify the issue, framing homosexuality as a reflection of a deeper psychological problem rather than a physical one. He concluded by urging Parliament to wait and observe the implications of recent British legislation permitting homosexual acts before making any definitive legal changes.

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