Books 'for Research’ (Press, 8 September 1976)

On 8 September 1976, the Indecent Publications Tribunal in Wellington reserved its decision regarding two controversial books imported by a Christchurch man, P. H. Maling, a retired scientist. Maling stated that he had imported the books, titled "Black In White In" by K. Kevork and "Massage Boy" by Rick Cummings, for research purposes related to his studies on violence and its association with the suppression of homosexual expression. The Customs Department, represented by Mr P. Leloir, argued that both publications contained explicit sexual content between males and lacked any literary or artistic merit, thereby justifying their classification as indecent. Leloir referenced a previous tribunal decision concerning another publication, "Aequus," which had been ruled unconditionally indecent due to its promotion of deviant sexual behaviour, suggesting similar reasoning should apply to Maling's books. Maling defended his position by explaining that he sought just one copy of each book, asserting that his intention was not to profit but to conduct legitimate research. He related his investigation to a documentary previously aired by the BBC, which discussed studies on rhesus monkeys and indicated that these animals' communities experienced less violence due to regular homosexual activity. Maling posited that instinctual desires could not be suppressed; instead, they could be diverted, resulting in potentially harmful behaviours if not expressed through homosexual means. He elaborated that every man possesses dominant and submissive desires, and when the expression of these impulses through homosexuality is stifled, it could lead to harm to human personalities, mental suffering, and even violence. Maling specifically highlighted instances in "Black In White In," where sexual encounters between male characters often resulted in hostility, potentially reflecting racial tensions or other conflicts. Despite acknowledging that "Massage Boy" did not meet his primary research needs, Maling indicated that he had no means of assessing its content prior to its importation. The tribunal's decision on the matter remains pending, pending further deliberation on the nature of the books and their potential classification under New Zealand's indecency laws.

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