'Gutsful Of Prejudice’ (Press, 10 July 1974)

On 9 July 1974, J. W. Goodwin, the secretary of the Homosexual Law Reform Society, responded sharply to New Zealand Prime Minister Norman Kirk's statement opposing the reform of laws concerning homosexuality. Kirk had indicated that he would not support legislation that recognised homosexuality as “normal behaviour.” Goodwin expressed frustration at what he termed the Prime Minister’s outdated views, questioning how much longer New Zealand would remain behind countries like England, which had reformed its laws concerning homosexuality seven years prior. He urged Kirk to acknowledge that many had grown weary of his personal biases. Goodwin pointed out that the National Party was providing a free vote on the issue, suggesting that Kirk should also allow a similar freedom to his party members. He defended homosexuality as statistically as normal as being left-handed and argued that it was a natural state for those who identify as homosexual. Further, he cited authoritative bodies such as the British Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association, both of which had long rejected the classification of homosexuality as a disease. Goodwin argued that it was irrelevant whether homosexuality was deemed “normal” or “natural,” stating that the legal system’s concern should not be about the classification of homosexual behaviour. He raised concerns that Kirk's claims of allowing for the introduction of private members' bills did not hold true, citing instances where Labour MPs felt discouraged from bringing such a bill forward. He pointedly noted that Kirk's comments were made in the absence of Attorney-General Dr. Finlay, who was known to support reform, implying that Kirk's stance might not reflect the view of the entire government. Kirk had suggested a petition to Parliament as a way to address the issue, but Goodwin dismissed this as a strategy to delay progress on a matter that had significant backing from various churches and welfare organisations. He characterised the Prime Minister’s suggestions as tactics to evade responsibility, especially after deviating from an agreement regarding a private bill process. Goodwin’s remarks highlighted the societal shift towards acceptance and the demand for legal reform regarding homosexual rights in New Zealand during this period.

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