Penalty ‘incredible’ (Press, 15 August 1981)
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Summary: Penalty ‘incredible’ (Press, 15 August 1981)
On 15 August 1981, Patricia Bartlett, a member of the Women's Advisory Council in Wellington, expressed her concerns regarding proposed changes in the Summary Offences Bill. The amendments under consideration by the Parliamentary Statutes Revision Committee aimed to alter the language used in the legislation concerning indecent exposure. Specifically, the term “every person” was changed to “every male,” which indicated that only men would face harsh penalties for such offences. According to the revised legislation, males found guilty of obscene exposure in public could face up to three months in jail or be fined as much as $1,000. In contrast, women who committed a similar act would be charged only with disorderly behaviour, carrying a maximum fine of $500. Bartlett highlighted the unfairness and potential discrimination embedded in this proposal, especially given the contemporary discourse around sexual equality. She found it astonishing that, at a time when society was advocating for equal rights, the legal system would establish lesser penalties for women compared to men for the same offence of indecent exposure.
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