Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 18 March 1985)
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Summary: Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 18 March 1985)
In a series of letters published in mid-March 1985, debates arose regarding the New Zealand Government's stance on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, particularly in contrast to its firm anti-nuclear position. The first letter, written by Miss D. Chilton, questioned the logical consistency of a government that advocates for a moral stance on nuclear issues while simultaneously supporting a bill that legalises homosexual acts. Chilton expressed a belief that homosexuality is abnormal and suggested that legalising homosexual acts might lead to complications in distinguishing consent in cases of rape, positing that men could face profound challenges in understanding consent dynamics. In response, Hugh Gaw countered Chilton's argument by shedding light on the realities faced by many in the gay community. He noted that a significant portion of homosexual individuals—estimated at around 50 per cent—were married, often for societal conformity rather than genuine choice. Gaw argued that these marriages were fundamentally flawed and contributed to familial discord, thereby undermining the very family life that Mr Geoff Braybrooke, a Labour MP, claimed to support. He contended that decriminalising homosexual acts would allow individuals to enter marriage based on authenticity rather than societal pressures, ultimately leading to stronger family dynamics and fewer marriages rooted in deception. The exchange highlighted deep societal divisions around the issues of sexuality, consent, and the impacts of government legislation on personal lives, reflecting broader societal attitudes toward homosexuality in New Zealand during that time.
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