Committee May Favour Reform Of Homosexual Law (Press, 23 August 1974)
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Summary: Committee May Favour Reform Of Homosexual Law (Press, 23 August 1974)
On 22 August 1974, a nine-member Select Committee was appointed by Parliament to examine the Crimes Amendment Bill, which aims to decriminalise homosexual acts between consenting adult males in private. The bill, introduced by Mr V. S. Young, a National Party member representing Egmont, has garnered attention as Parliament will allow a free vote on the matter. The committee is perceived to lean slightly in favour of those advocating for homosexual law reform. Notably, Mr Young will serve as a member of this committee. Among the other pro-reform advocates are Dr M. E. R. Bassett from the Labour Party, the Attorney-General Dr Finlay, and Dr G. A. Wall, also from Labour. Dr Wall expressed some reservations during the bill's introduction, indicating a nuanced position on the reform. Three members of the committee did not express their opinions when the bill was introduced. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr Taiboys, remains uncertain about his voting stance. Mr J. F. Luxton, a National Party member from Piako, has an open mind on the subject but indicated that he would support the law change if it did not create "grey areas" that might lead to people being encouraged towards homosexuality. In contrast, Mr P. B. Reweti, representing Eastern Maori, is firmly against the proposed reform. Additionally, two members opposing the reform are Mr D. S. Thomson from the National Party and Mr T. J. Young of the Labour Party, the latter considered to be a possible chair of the committee. As the discussions unfold, the political landscape surrounding the decriminalisation of homosexual acts indicates a significant divide among committee members and reflects broader societal views on homosexual law reform in New Zealand during this period.
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