Priest Upset By Tv Show (Press, 12 May 1975)

On 11 May 1975, the Rev. F. C. Donnelly, a counsellor for homosexuals and senior lecturer in community health at the Auckland Medical School, publicly criticised the Edwards-Dean television show that aired the previous night. He described the programme as a “send-up” that perpetuated negative stereotypes and prejudices about homosexuals. Donnelly, who was a guest on the show, expressed disappointment, stating, “To me, it was a sad night.” He remarked that the show did not accurately represent the complexities of homosexual lives, instead choosing to depict them through the lens of common stereotypes. Donnelly pointed out specifically that the selection of guests failed to portray the psychological struggles and creative aspects of being homosexual, which could have fostered understanding among viewers who were not familiar with these realities. He believed that the programme instead reinforced long-held misconceptions and did nothing to advance the cause of law reform concerning homosexual rights. He also expressed regret about participating in the show, asserting that he had expected to deliver a more substantial contribution rather than merely being part of the audience. Overall, he felt the presentation and tone of the show undermined the serious issues faced by the homosexual community and would not contribute positively to societal attitudes or legislative changes.

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