Homosexuality “not Justified” (Press, 7 September 1973)

In a statement delivered in Christchurch on 6 September 1973, the Dean-elect of Sydney, the Rev. L. Shilton, articulated his opposition to legalising homosexuality in New Zealand. He argued that homosexuality is a deviation that cannot be justified, and that liberalising the law would lead to moral confusion, as individuals might equate legal acceptance with moral approval. Shilton, who is currently the rector of Holy Trinity Church in Adelaide and will assume his new position as Dean of Sydney in November 1973, stated that if homosexual practices were made legal, it would ultimately not benefit homosexuals. He asserted that the responsibility to prove that homosexuality does not inflict harm on individuals or society rests with those advocating for the law change, indicating skepticism towards their ability to demonstrate its benefits. To illustrate his point, he drew a parallel to the ongoing debates about the legalisation of marijuana, emphasising the need for caution in enacting laws that permit potentially harmful behaviours without conclusive evidence of their safety. Shilton expressed concern that legalising homosexuality could foster harmful attitudes within society, suggesting that exposure to such practices might normalise them in ways that could be detrimental. While he acknowledged that some homosexuals could benefit from treatment, he believed that implying there is no need for treatment denies them the chance to develop normal heterosexual attitudes. He claimed that the societal guilt felt by homosexuals is tied not to societal condemnation but to acting against divine laws. A well-known figure in the campaign against obscenity, Shilton had previously played a key role in banning the controversial musical "Oh! Calcutta" in Adelaide and influencing its prohibition across Australia. He conveyed a sense of emerging community support against what he termed promiscuity and permissiveness, expressing the view that while many had remained silent, there is now a call for leadership on these issues. Shilton clarified that his stance against certain practices should be seen not as negative but as an affirmation of values he believes to be right.

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