Reform Move Expected (Press, 29 July 1970)
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Summary: Reform Move Expected (Press, 29 July 1970)
On 28 July 1970, the New Zealand Government, represented by the Minister of Justice, Mr Riddiford, indicated that it would consider a remit from the National Party calling for the liberalisation of laws regarding homosexuality. However, Mr Riddiford could not confirm when or if such legislation would be forthcoming. He noted that the National Party's initiative was not surprising given recent developments in England concerning similar issues. Mr Riddiford emphasised that any potential changes should not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of homosexuality or as a reduction in protections for young people. He maintained that he did not believe the current laws were resulting in the abuses that some people had alleged, but acknowledged that the law's enforcement might be inconsistent, suggesting there could be justification for legal reform. In response to the National Party's decision at its conference, the Homosexual Law Reform Society expressed its approval. The society's chairman, Mr S. W. N. Ransom, who is also a senior lecturer at Victoria University, characterised the decision as a reflection of changing public sentiment towards homosexuality. He stated that advocacy groups concerned with social issues related to homosexuality have been eager to ensure that discussions of these problems proceed in a rational manner, free from emotional biases that could hinder productive examination of the topic. Mr Ransom viewed the National Party’s commitment to explore the issue as a positive development, indicating a willingness to consider the complexities and implications of potential legal changes regarding homosexuality.
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