Australian Attitudes To Social Crimes (Press, 17 July 1971)

Published on 17 July 1971, Paul Wilson's book "The Sexual Dilemma: Abortion, Homosexuality, and the Criminal Threshold" from the University of Queensland Press presents a scholarly examination of Australian law concerning abortion, homosexuality, and prostitution. The author adopts a passionate stance, describing himself as a "pew" sociologist who believes that scholars should not only understand but also actively seek to change societal issues. Wilson argues that abortion, homosexuality, and prostitution should be considered threshold crimes, as public opinion often views them as non-criminal, lacking a direct victim, and free from malicious intent. He meticulously discusses the legal frameworks surrounding each activity, public attitudes, and societal implications. The book includes surveys reflecting Australian public opinion on these subjects and examines the outcomes of more liberal laws in other countries. In his discussion of abortion, Wilson highlights parallels between Australian and New Zealand laws, noting that modern contraception has not diminished the need for abortions, which often leads individuals to seek illegal alternatives, inviting police corruption as evidenced by a recent inquiry in Australia. He proposes legalising abortion under conditions such as risks to the mother's health, potential disabilities in newborns, or pregnancies resulting from unlawful intercourse. Regarding prostitution, while activities like brothel-keeping and soliciting are illegal, Wilson points out that prostitution itself is not, resulting in a complex, often hypocritical relationship with law enforcement. His interviews with sex workers reveal that many become desensitised and fearful, trapped in their profession due to financial dependence and loss of respectability. He argues that prostitution serves those who might struggle to find sexual outlets otherwise and suggests that “free” love poses more danger to family life than controlled prostitution. He advocates for licensing of prostitutes and brothels while maintaining criminalisation of street solicitation. On homosexuality, Wilson notes that current laws cause significant distress for a large population, despite widespread public disapproval. He cites misunderstandings linking homosexuality to paedophilia, a term that misrepresents the majority of homosexuals. The author elucidates the often reprehensible methods employed by authorities in policing homosexual activity and finds that punitive measures do not deter such behaviour and may even exacerbate it. His perspective illustrates a majority imposing punitive measures on a minority simply for being different. Despite acknowledging that legalising these activities does not equate to moral endorsement, Wilson presents a convincing argument for law reform to address the inconsistencies in the treatment of these issues. He asserts that reform could mitigate the exploitation and criminal activities associated with the current legal status of abortion, prostitution, and homosexuality. While the book is tailored for an Australian audience, it raises universal questions about the complexities of sexual ethics, legality, and societal norms. Overall, Wilson's work is characterised by rigor and compassion, offering a thorough exploration of these contentious issues without shying away from their societal implications.

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