Course Of N.z. Law Reform Discussed (Press, 15 August 1972)

On 15 August 1972, Professor J. L. Ryan, the dean of the law faculty at the University of Canterbury, expressed optimism regarding potential reforms in New Zealand’s laws pertaining to homosexuality and abortion. During an interview in Christchurch, he noted that discussions between student leaders from various universities and the Prime Minister, Mr Marshall, had recently taken place focused on the issue of homosexual law reform. Professor Ryan commended the New Zealand government for its progressive approach to law reform, highlighting its strong track record in this area. While he acknowledged that the country’s emotional climate might not yet be fully conducive to changes in laws concerning homosexuality, he believed that reforms in this domain were likely to occur in the next few years. Professor Ryan suggested that the government was judicious enough to resist pressure from the media to enact laws hastily, asserting that New Zealand's legislative processes would guide any law changes, rather than public opinion swayed by the press. Additionally, he mentioned that there were various other areas of law that required further investigation, including married women’s property rights and private property rights. Professor Ryan's comments indicated a growing awareness and potential shift towards more progressive laws relating to social issues in New Zealand. In an unrelated note, it was reported that an avalanche had blocked the Balli Hut access road at Mount Cook over the weekend, preventing bulldozers from clearing the road due to adverse weather conditions.

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