Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 1 April 1985)

In a series of letters to the editor, various perspectives on the topic of homosexual law reform in New Zealand are shared. One notable letter from Barry Allom highlights two key arguments for enacting Fran Wilde’s Bill to reform laws concerning homosexuality. Firstly, he points out that the existing law is infrequently enforced and difficult to apply, which renders it ineffective and thus necessitates change to reflect societal attitudes. Secondly, Allom contends that legal discrimination against a vulnerable minority, such as the homosexual community, is unjustifiable. He refutes the common argument that homosexual activity is unnatural, stating that for approximately 10 per cent of the population, it is indeed natural. Allom suggests that while the age of consent could be debated, a reasonable compromise would be to set it at 16, although 18 may gain wider acceptance. He expresses concern that fundamentalist hysteria obscures the fundamental issues at stake. John C. Watson, Chairman of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Psychological Society, adds to the discourse by noting the diverse opinions present, particularly contrasting the views of Ken Strongman, who urges a rational approach, and Varian J. Wilson, whose letters reflect personal feelings that diverge from the majority stance among registered psychologists. He emphasises the importance of recognising these distinctions and notes that accurate information regarding qualified psychologists is available for those seeking guidance. Paul Maling also responds to Wilson, defending himself against what he describes as false accusations. Maling takes issue with Wilson’s statement claiming that he compared New Zealand’s laws unfavourably to those of Muslim countries that impose severe penalties on homosexuals. He clarifies that he made no such comparison, especially in light of the extreme punishments faced by Iranian homosexuals, which he deems irrelevant to the New Zealand context. Maling questions the validity of Wilson’s claims regarding sexual abuse of young boys in Muslim countries, asking for concrete evidence to support such serious allegations. He accuses Wilson of unprofessionally introducing an emotional distraction into the current debate. Overall, the letters illustrate the contentious and emotionally charged nature of the discussion surrounding homosexual law reform in New Zealand during this period, indicating a divide between rational discourse and emotive responses.

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