Women Have Sympathy For Homosexuals (Press, 13 May 1985)

In a submission to the Parliamentary Statutes Revision Committee regarding the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, the Women’s Action Group argued that homosexuality does not pose a greater risk to society than heterosexual behaviour, and may even be more advantageous since it does not result in reproduction. The committee received various submissions and the feminist group contended that the legal distinction between homosexual and heterosexual activities is primarily a matter of preference, advocating for the continuation of law reform efforts. The group expressed solidarity with the homosexual community, particularly highlighting their awareness of discrimination faced by them. They maintained that sexual activities, irrespective of orientation, carry similar risks for individuals and society. The submission noted that the transmission of A.I.D.S. occurs in both heterosexual and homosexual contexts, implying that if health-related concerns were a valid reason to maintain criminal laws against homosexuality, then heterosexual acts should also be subject to similar restrictions for consistency. Furthermore, the group pointed out the significant health risks associated with heterosexual activity, citing cervical cancer, which claims the lives of over 100 women annually in New Zealand, as being linked to a sexually transmitted virus. They argued that the absence of unwanted pregnancies and related issues, like abortion, in the homosexual community further supports their case for law reform, suggesting that it might be more logical to impose stricter regulations on heterosexuality due to its reproductive consequences. The Women's Action Group raised concerns about the decision-making process of members of Parliament regarding the issue, noting that many were confused by the idea of a "conscience vote." They identified that some MPs were using traditional criteria for criminalising behaviours to assess their stance on the reform, whereas others attempted to reconcile their personal beliefs with the legal implications for others, turning to their electorates for guidance. Ultimately, the group called for a rational examination of the implications of current laws and highlighted the need for legislative reform to reflect changing societal attitudes towards sexuality.

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