Society’s Views (Press, 9 November 1968)
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Summary: Society’s Views (Press, 9 November 1968)
On 9 November 1968, the president of the Homosexual Law Reform Society, Professor J. H. Robb, expressed strong feelings that parliamentary opinion regarding the reform of homosexual laws was lagging behind public sentiment. Following the announcement from the Petitions Committee, he indicated that the society would continue its efforts to garner support for proposed reforms. Professor Robb noted that recent evidence suggested public backing for the changes was greater than anticipated when the petitioning process began. In contrast, Mr R. T. Feist, the convener of the public relations committee of the Presbyterian Church, issued a statement clarifying the church's stance. He maintained that while the church does not condone immorality, its support for the petition was grounded in the belief that removing the threat of criminal prosecution would allow for more constructive assistance to homosexuals. Mr Feist emphasised the need for the church and society to address the challenges surrounding the issue, which had been previously ignored due to prevailing societal revulsion. Furthermore, Mr K. R. Daniels, a senior psychologist at Christchurch Hospital, voiced his disappointment with the Petitions Committee's decision. He remarked on the significance of the individuals advocating for legal change, noting that they were often those who had witnessed the human suffering caused by existing laws. Mr Daniels highlighted that support for law reform in New Zealand echoed a similar movement in Britain, where change was backed by leading church figures, including the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, as well as various church assemblies, including the Methodist Conference and a committee formed by the Roman Catholic Church.
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