Homosexual Law Reform (Press, 7 July 1969)
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Summary: Homosexual Law Reform (Press, 7 July 1969)
At a conference held at the Ngaio Marsh Theatre in Ilam on 6 July 1969, four speakers advocated for the reform of homosexual laws in New Zealand. Mr K. R. Daniels, a senior psychiatric social worker from Christchurch Hospital, highlighted the need for greater understanding of homosexuality, including its causes and treatment. He emphasised that the public's awareness and knowledge about the topic are vital for progress.
Mrs W Tirikatene-Sullivan, the Member of Parliament for Southern Maori, shared her personal views, noting that many MPs had responded emotionally to a petition for law reform presented the previous year. She expressed her belief that the petition was well-argued and suggested that reforms could significantly reduce human suffering associated with current laws.
The Rev. G. Sweet, who has experience as a former prison chaplain and is currently a counsellor and social worker, raised important distinctions between legal reform and changes in societal moral attitudes. His insights were significant in understanding the broader implications of the proposed changes.
Mr A. I. Dennis, a law lecturer at the University of Canterbury, provided a critical analysis of existing laws, arguing that they were illogical as they only applied to males and were inconsistently enforced. His points underscored the need for a more rational and equitable framework governing sexual conduct.
The event was chaired by Mr G. Lewis, the head of a special committee within the University of Canterbury Students’ Association, who acknowledged that while many attendees might already hold supportive views, the conference played a critical role in educating participants about these issues. Approximately 20 of the 50 attendees were students, indicating a strong interest from the younger generation in the discussion of homosexual law reform.
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