Behaviourist Idea Of Homosexuality (Press, 1 September 1973)

On 1 September 1973, B. S. Parsonson and P. N. Priest from the New Zealand Psychological Society’s division of behaviour analysis expressed their disagreement with comments made by Father F. Donnelly at the Gay Liberation national conference held in Christchurch. Father Donnelly asserted that homosexuality is an unchangeable reality that must be accepted, likening it to other inherent facts. In response, Parsonson and Priest contended that homosexual behaviour is learned and, therefore, can be altered through established principles of learning. They highlighted that there is substantial research indicating that homosexual behaviour can be modified, countering the priest's claims of its immutability. They mentioned aversion therapy as one method among various behaviourally-oriented therapeutic techniques that can be employed to modify homosexual behaviour, asserting that it is not the only solution available. Furthermore, Parsonson and Priest noted that not all individuals who identify as homosexual are satisfied with their sexual orientation, suggesting that some may seek change or support. The dialogue reflects the ongoing debate during this period regarding the nature of sexual orientation and the possibility of change through psychological intervention.

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