Homosexual Law Reform A Christian Case Against... (Press, 27 April 1985)

On 27 April 1985, an article by the Rev. David G. Stewart, principal of the Bible College of New Zealand, presented a Christian perspective against the proposed Homosexual Law Reform bill in New Zealand. Stewart emphasised three core attitudes Christians should exhibit towards homosexuals: love, acceptance, and help to change. He argued that, in accordance with Christ's teachings, Christians should love their neighbours and not hate homosexual individuals. Acceptance is important as every person is valued by God, and Christians should not stereotype or distance themselves from homosexuals. Stewart contested the claim made by Fran Wilde, who supported the bill, that a person's sexual orientation is fixed by early childhood and unchangeable. He asserted that individuals possess the freedom to choose their paths, and people's sexual orientations could shift based on experiences in their formative years. He also distinguished between sin and crime, stating that while sins like adultery are wrong, they do not warrant legal punishment in New Zealand. He expressed concerns about the existing laws on homosexual behaviour, highlighting their inequality and the inadequacy of punishment methods. However, he was more troubled by the Homosexual Law Reform bill, citing four principal objections. First, he contended that the bill would eliminate any legal acknowledgment that sodomy is wrong when consensual acts are performed by individuals aged 16 and above, leading to unrestricted public expressions of homosexual activity. Second, he argued that lowering the age of consent to 16 would expose young individuals to potential exploitation by older individuals, claiming that the bill fails to provide adequate protections for youth. Stewart also critiqued the argument that decriminalisation would reduce the spread of AIDS by promoting safer practices within the homosexual community, suggesting that it would likely result in an increase in promiscuity rather than fostering stable relationships. He pointed to San Francisco as an example where the removal of legal restrictions has led to a surge in the disease's transmission. Finally, he voiced his most significant concern regarding amendments to the Human Rights Commission Act. He warned that the bill would protect homosexuals from discrimination in various areas, including employment and housing, potentially forcing institutions and employers to hire individuals based on their sexual orientation. He believed that this would lead to the imposition of laws contrary to Christian beliefs regarding morality. Stewart concluded that the proposed reforms would swing the legal balance too far in favour of homosexual behaviour at the expense of those who uphold traditional values, and he expressed his intention to sign petitions against the bill in concern for both the moral fabric of the community and the welfare of homosexual individuals. He articulated that true love should not enable harmful behaviours but should instead guide individuals toward change.

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