Court View On Homosexuality (Press, 5 June 1973)
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Summary: Court View On Homosexuality (Press, 5 June 1973)
On 5 June 1973, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in Auckland, Sir Richard Wild, addressed the legal limitations surrounding homosexuality while sentencing 28-year-old Michael Paul Stone, a take-away bar assistant. Stone received a 12-month prison sentence after being found guilty by a jury of committing an indecent act. During the trial, he appeared in court wearing flamboyant attire, which included a bouffant hairstyle, makeup, and a tight-fitting blouse. Sir Richard Wild expressed sympathy towards Stone and individuals in similar situations, acknowledging the difficulties they faced. However, he reinforced that the courts were obliged to adhere to existing laws until they were amended. The Chief Justice clarified that Stone's case did not pertain to homosexuality in general but specifically involved homosexual activities for monetary compensation. He emphasised that the interests of the community must take precedence in such cases, underscoring the legal system's current stance on issues of this nature.
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