Law On Homosexuality "inappropriate" (Press, 7 February 1973)

On 7 February 1973, Professor B. James from the University of Otago in Christchurch spoke out against the legal discrimination faced by homosexuals in New Zealand. Returning from a study tour of several countries, including Britain, the United States, and Scandinavia, he argued that homosexuals should be subjected to the same legal standards as heterosexuals. Specifically, he proposed that sexual activity between individuals over the age of 16, regardless of sexual orientation, should be treated equally under the law. Professor James stated that by the age of 16, a person's sexual orientation is largely established, and he expressed disapproval of the current laws that he found discriminatory against homosexuals. He emphasised that a change in the existing laws was long overdue, suggesting that such a reform would significantly alleviate the suffering endured by many homosexual individuals. He highlighted how the prevailing legal framework contributed to feelings of guilt, fear, and maladjustment among thousands of New Zealanders based solely on their sexual orientation. The professor also condemned the approach taken by successive New Zealand governments towards homosexual law reform. He insisted that persistent pressure must be applied to the government to abolish antiquated laws regarding homosexuality, arguing that leaders should not wait for public opinion to shift safely but should actively drive the change. Professor James’s comments underscored the urgent need for more progressive legislation regarding sexual orientation in New Zealand law.

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