Crimes Amendment Bill (Press, 11 July 1975)

In a series of letters published in July 1975, New Zealanders expressed diverging views on Parliament's handling of the proposed Crimes Amendment Bill concerning homosexuality. One letter from A.C. McEwan, dated July 9, articulated a robust opposition to the amendment, arguing that it would mark a dangerous step towards societal decay, equating the proposed changes to the moral decline seen in the United Kingdom and Sweden. McEwan warned that legalising homosexuality would pave the way for a broader acceptance of deviant behaviour, which he deemed unacceptable. In contrast, another correspondent, writing under the pseudonym "Men's Lib" on July 10, critiqued the stance taken by McEwan and others who oppose the bill. This letter pointed out that complacency in Parliament's actions on the matter was indicative of deeper prejudices and a lack of informed debate among MPs. He asserted that there was significant support for reform within prominent political parties, including the National Party and the Labour Party, as well as among the Values Party and Social Credit. The letter urged hesitant members of Parliament to reflect on their principles and the changing attitudes of their constituents, suggesting that public support for reform stems from a recognition of fairness and equality. Ultimately, this exchange highlighted the growing tension in New Zealand's public discourse surrounding issues of sexual morality and the rights of individuals.

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