Reply On Homosexuality (Press, 31 August 1973)

On 30 August 1973, a notable exchange arose during the Gay Liberation national conference in Christchurch, where Father F. Donnelly, an Auckland priest known for assisting homosexuals, expressed criticism of aversion therapy aimed at homosexual individuals. He described this therapy as "abhorrent" and indicated that it was sometimes applied to individuals struggling to accept their sexuality, often being enforced upon those convicted of minor sexual offences. In response, Mr H. Love, the former chairman of the clinical division of the New Zealand Psychological Society, contested Father Donnelly's claims. He asserted that if Father Donnelly could not provide evidence of consenting adult males undergoing aversion therapy involuntarily, it suggested he was conflating homosexual behaviour with other types of sexual misconduct, including paedophilia, exhibitionism, and other non-consensual acts. Mr Love challenged the implications of Father Donnelly's statements, questioning whether the priest believed that society should accept the behaviours of individuals who exploit or harm others. He further suggested that Father Donnelly’s remarks might inadvertently discourage some individuals from seeking necessary treatment, potentially leading to significant emotional suffering. In a more general critique, Mr Love declared that aversion therapy encompasses various treatment techniques and is not a singular method. He argued against the notion that homosexuals are incapable of change, stating that successful treatment often involves replacing undesired behaviours with others that are socially acceptable, typically heterosexual behaviours. Father Donnelly had characterised homosexuality as an "incontrovertible fact" that should be accepted, and he expressed concerns about societal pressures for complete sexual abstention, implying such demands would compel homosexuals to lead inauthentic lives. Mr Love refuted this argument, positing that a lack of understanding about behavioural treatment methods underpinned such views. Overall, the dialogue highlighted the complexities surrounding discussions of homosexuality, therapy, and societal expectations, reflecting the evolving attitudes and debates of the time regarding sexual identity and treatment methodologies.

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