‘Penthouse’ Magazine (Press, 26 August 1980)
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Summary: ‘Penthouse’ Magazine (Press, 26 August 1980)
A correspondence published on 26 August 1980 highlights a debate concerning democracy, human rights, and the impact of pornography in New Zealand. J.H. Wilson criticises M.P. D. Jones and Neville Rush for their apparent indifference to the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, accusing them of failing to support a significant portion of the electorate. Wilson points out the contradiction in Jones's association with a government that promotes freedom while neglecting the rights of roughly 10 per cent of the populace. He stresses that the real issues facing the country include high unemployment, which surpasses 60,000, and environmental degradation caused by multinational corporations, with the government allegedly obstructing the ratification of international human rights covenants. In response, Gavin Cowley and James McShane defend Rush against accusations made by another correspondent, H. Williams. They clarify that Rush did not imply that Williams is an "alcoholic sex criminal," but rather highlighted the negative influence that certain pornographic materials, such as "Penthouse," can have on society. They acknowledge the prevalence of sexual violence and insist on taking action against it, suggesting that pornographic content contributes to a culture that perpetuates such behaviours. Furthermore, they point out that "Penthouse" is not exclusively focused on heterosexual content, supporting Rush's assertion that it can be considered perverted. The exchange encapsulates the tensions surrounding social issues, individual rights, and the encroachment of sexual culture in New Zealand during that period.
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