Students Deplore Mr Kirk’s Stand (Press, 30 July 1974)

On 30 July 1974, the University of Canterbury Students’ Association expressed strong disapproval of the Prime Minister Mr Kirk's stance on homosexual law reform. Dr J. J. Benefield, the president of the association, criticised the Prime Minister for his opposition to the repeal of certain sections of the Crimes Act of 1961. These sections criminalise sexual acts between consenting persons aged 15 and over, and the association advocated for the repeal of all existing antihomosexual legislation. Dr Benefield pointed out that Mr Kirk's position contradicts the traditional policy of the Labour Party, implying that his decision could be seen as a dictatorial imposition of his personal views on the entire Parliamentary Labour party. He noted the contradiction in Mr Kirk's previous support and encouragement of the New Zealand Homosexual Law Reform Society, which had believed that its draft Bill would receive a fair hearing in Parliament. The students’ association highlighted that this issue should not be overlooked, asserting that it concerns a significant portion of the population, estimated at 5 per cent of New Zealanders. Furthermore, Dr Benefield argued that the majority of New Zealanders would likely support legal reform regarding homosexual rights. He lamented that New Zealand, which has historically been a leader in social reform, was lagging behind other nations in advancing the rights of homosexuals, branding it as a disgraceful blemish on the country's record.

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