The Press Monday, July 7, 1975. A Failure To Lead... (Press, 7 July 1975)
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Summary: The Press Monday, July 7, 1975. A Failure To Lead... (Press, 7 July 1975)
On 7 July 1975, an editorial in The Press expressed disappointment regarding Parliament's decision not to amend the law on homosexuality. The vote, which had a narrow margin, was further affected by the absence of 20 members during the polling, leading to frustration among reformers and traditionalists alike. The editorial noted that while public opinion might be divided on a range of issues, it is vital for lawmakers to sometimes step ahead of the prevailing sentiments in society, especially when it comes to matters of justice and reason. The piece argued that Parliament's role should not be to align strictly with fluctuating public attitudes but rather to provide stable and consistent legal frameworks. In the case of adult homosexual acts, the editorial posited that the legal restrictions were unjustified, asserting that these private behaviours among consenting adults should not be subject to legal interference. The lawmakers should have acknowledged that existing laws were not only misplaced but often detrimental to individuals' lives. Given the significance of the issue and the close vote, the editorial encouraged reformers to make another attempt at changing the law in the future. It suggested that this time, more members of Parliament might be persuaded to look beyond their personal views on homosexuality and apply a more equitable legal rationale. Furthermore, New Zealand lagged behind much of the Western world in its legal treatment of homosexual acts, indicating a need for progressive change. The editorial concluded that a clearer understanding of the boundary between public law and private morality should inform future legislative efforts. It critiqued the decision-makers for playing it safe with public opinion, which remains conflicted and often lacks clarity and compassion. Ultimately, it called for Parliament to take a leadership role in guiding public sentiment toward a just resolution on the issue of homosexuality.
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