Crimes Amendment Bill (Press, 12 July 1975)
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Summary: Crimes Amendment Bill (Press, 12 July 1975)
A letter published on 12 July 1975 discusses the importance of respecting minority rights within a democracy, countering the idea that "majority rule" is a valid justification for legal persecution. The author, P. R. H. Mating, who identifies as the Publicity Officer for the Gay Liberation Front in Christchurch, argues that unrestrained majority rule can devolve into tyranny, where one group oppresses another. He highlights the ethical issues surrounding the legal persecution of homosexual individuals, asserting that such laws lack Christian or moral justification and only serve to harm the nation. Mating underscores the damaging effects of anti-homosexual legislation, advocating for its repeal as a necessary step towards fostering a more inclusive society. He relates his experiences fighting in a war for New Zealand, stating that the nobler and more intelligent course is to promote peace and the ideals of brotherhood and sisterhood, rendering war an obsolete concept. He emphasizes that this ethos aligns with the core teachings of Christ. Referencing a 1973 Heylen poll which indicated a majority of New Zealanders supported homosexual law reform, Mating is optimistic that public support has grown since then. He criticizes Parliament for not keeping pace with the shifting societal attitudes toward homosexuality, implying that it is overdue for legislative change to reflect the will of the people.
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