Homosexual Law Reform Urged (Press, 31 December 1971)

On 31 December 1971, Professor B. James of the University of Otago, Christchurch, argued in an interview that New Zealand's Parliament could no longer avoid addressing the issue of homosexual law reform. He noted a significant shift in public opinion that was increasingly supportive of reforming outdated laws affecting male homosexuals, based on legislation from Britain, which had already been updated. Professor James expressed his frustration with politicians who feared losing votes over the topic of reform. He questioned their honesty and courage, suggesting that as leaders, they should take a stand on such important issues rather than avoiding them. He believed that some parliamentarians harboured a "tacit agreement" with the reform, which would decriminalise consensual sexual acts between men over the age of 21. He asserted that homosexuality should not be viewed as a crime or illness but rather as a developmental deviation typically arising from poor family relationships. He dismissed irrational fears regarding the corruption of youth due to reform, stating that psychological evidence did not support such beliefs. Professor James critiqued the stereotypical view of the New Zealand male as a "short-haired beer drinker," asserting that young people today are increasingly rejecting this limited notion of masculinity. He emphasised the need for schools to play a more proactive role in educating students about sex and societal issues. He advocated for the introduction of sexual education at an early age as part of mainstream social education, rather than as a separate subject, to remove any perceived stigma. He encouraged a fundamental modification in teacher training to achieve this. He argued that better education could potentially reduce the number of young people entering the legal system or requiring psychiatric help, noting that magistrates often feel powerless to assist youth once they reach court. He pointed out that schools could provide guidance that would prevent many young people from going astray. When asked about the rising trend of school dropouts, Professor James highlighted that many students found schools unengaging. He suggested that schools failed to address relevant societal issues such as justice, war, and modern hypocrisy, which teenagers were eager to discuss. According to him, young people had a clearer perception of life than many adults and educators, underscoring the need for educational reform to meet their interests and concerns.

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