J.p.s “out Of Touch” On Homosexual Law (Press, 7 March 1969)
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Summary: J.p.s “out Of Touch” On Homosexual Law (Press, 7 March 1969)
On 7 March 1969, Mr J. W. Goodwin, the secretary of the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society, commented on the opposition from the New Zealand Justices Association regarding the liberalisation of laws related to homosexual activity. He referred to remarks made by the Minister of Police, who described the Justices of the Peace as “surprisingly out of touch with recent events.” The minister noted various issues pertinent to his department, indicating that the Justices had not adequately informed themselves on the subject of homosexuality. Goodwin highlighted a concerning point made by the Justices, where it was claimed that allowing homosexual acts between consenting adults in private would lead to a double moral standard, contrasting youth and adults. He argued that this perspective was inconsistent since society already employs a similar dual standard by setting different ages of consent for heterosexual relationships. He pointed out that, in Britain, the age of consent was established at 21 for homosexual acts, thereby providing protections that were not available to younger women. Additionally, Goodwin addressed a move by the Justices calling for a local inquiry into homosexuality. He expressed reservations regarding the adequacy of such an inquiry, citing the extensive time frame that the Wolfenden Committee in Britain required to conduct their investigation—three years—and raising concerns about the availability of qualified experts in New Zealand. He warned of the potential risks associated with official inquiries, drawing on reports from South Africa where participants in such inquiries faced police harassment. Goodwin questioned whether similar situations could arise in New Zealand should a local inquiry be pursued.
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