Reforming The Law On Homosexuality (Press, 12 August 1971)

The annual conference of the National Party in New Zealand, held a year prior to August 1971, adopted a remit encouraging the Government to revise the laws concerning homosexual acts, aligning them with principles found in English law. Although this decision did not obligate the Government to introduce new legislation, it indicated a growing acceptance for change within the party and demonstrated that public opposition had lessened compared to previous years. The article argues that the Government must take a leading role in informing the public on the subject, as there is a general lack of awareness and understanding among the population regarding homosexuality, which often leads to prejudice. It is noted that the societal view of homosexuality, particularly among Anglo-Saxon communities, has traditionally been negative, often rooted in Judaic moral codes. These codes perceived homosexuality as a significant sin compared to other sexual behaviours such as pre-marital and extra-marital relations, motivated possibly by a desire to maintain reproduction rates. The article highlights that legal action against homosexual acts fails to address the underlying condition and argues that punishing such behaviour with imprisonment does more harm than good. Furthermore, it points out that the existing laws, which were hastily established in Britain and later adopted in New Zealand, exhibit inconsistencies. Notably, they do not apply to homosexual women and do not adequately address issues like fornication and adultery, which could be deemed more socially disruptive. Many religious leaders have expressed opposition to the current legal stance, indicating that it contributes to social issues such as blackmail and suicide while obstructing the potential for medical and social support for homosexuals. Despite the Prime Minister's recent statement indicating that the Government caucus was against reforming the law, the article advocates for an urgent re-evaluation by Parliament. It argues that a better understanding of the issues surrounding homosexuality could lead to widespread acceptance of law reform in New Zealand, paralleling changes observed in Britain and other nations. It suggests that open discussions and a more informed public could facilitate a much-needed shift in perspective regarding the treatment of homosexual behaviour within the legal system.

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