Rise In V.d. And Indiscipline Feared From... (Press, 28 November 1974)

On 28 November 1974, a report emerged from Wellington regarding the ongoing discussions in Parliament surrounding the proposed Crimes Amendment Bill, which sought to legalise homosexual acts between consenting adult males. The Society for the Promotion of Community Standards, led by Miss Patricia Bartlett, raised significant concerns about the implications of legalising homosexuality. They argued that such a change could lead to a rise in homosexual venereal diseases and a decline in discipline and societal order. The society claimed that homosexuals were incapable of maintaining stable relationships and would instead engage in promiscuity. Miss Bartlett warned that legalisation would create a permissive environment in institutions such as the Armed Forces, prisons, and educational facilities, potentially turning these places into hotspots for homosexual activities. She articulated fears that homosexual officers might exert influence over subordinates, leading to coercive situations detrimental to discipline within the military. In addition, the society challenged the bill’s intention to equalise the legal treatment of male and female homosexuals and suggested that offences connected to homosexuality should be treated uniformly across genders. They emphasised the need for stringent measures against child molestation and proposed establishing counselling clinics for homosexuals while advocating for the retention of current prison penalties related to homosexual acts. Further, Miss Bartlett called for limitations on the public visibility of homosexual advocacy, suggesting that groups promoting homosexual law reform should be banned from schools and educational institutions. The society advocated for prohibitions on homosexual literature and the promotion of homosexual rights, arguing that legalising such acts would erode the institution of marriage and threaten societal stability. Contrastingly, submissions from various Gay Liberation groups pointed to the welfare of homosexuals rather than merely the legalisation of their acts. Representatives from these groups sought to address social oppression and aimed to educate the public about homosexuality, countering the notion that it was a rare occurrence in New Zealand. They proposed that the age of consent for homosexual acts be lowered to 16 and argued that child molestation should not be conflated with homosexuality. Amidst these discussions, members of the Police Association echoed a need for a revised age of consent if changes were to occur, and they suggested that legal definitions regarding privacy and consent needed careful consideration. The dialogue in Parliament highlighted the sharp contrasts between conservative perspectives prioritising social order and protection of traditional family values, and progressive views advocating for the rights and acceptance of homosexual individuals. The debates revealed a society grappling with changing attitudes towards homosexuality, illustrating the polarized opinions on this contentious issue.

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patricia bartlett, society for promotion of community standards