Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 13 May 1985)

In response to articles published in "The Press" regarding issues of homosexuality and related legal reforms, several letters to the editor have raised concerns and critiques. J. Ngarimu questions Mark D. Sadler's claims that "incidents of homosexual enticement and near rape" are common experiences for male teenagers, arguing that there is no evidence to support such a statement. Ngarimu further criticises the notion that without amendments to a proposed bill, it would favour "the aggressive homosexual," suggesting that aggressive behaviour occurs across sexual orientations without calling for the outlawing of heterosexuality. M. H. Broughton adds to the discourse by challenging the concept of "consenting adults." He contends that teenagers, particularly those around the age of 16, are often not fully matured, and emotional immaturity can lead to unhealthy expressions of same-sex attraction. Broughton expresses concern that if the bill is passed, young adolescents may be susceptible to manipulation or exploitation by older individuals, deeming the phrase "consenting adults" inappropriate for discussions about homosexuality and advocating for its removal from the legislative framework. Additionally, A.D. Carstairs addresses Dr David Stewart's comments on AIDS and the implications of homosexual law reform. Carstairs warns that a legal environment which forces homosexuals into secrecy could exacerbate the spread of AIDS, pointing out that current laws inhibit safer sexual practices among the gay community. He cites the views of international AIDS experts who have indicated that such a legal framework in New Zealand may hinder AIDS prevention efforts and accelerate its transmission into the heterosexual community. Carstairs argues that the suggestion that homosexual individuals are incapable of following safe sex advice is not only inaccurate but also demeaning. These letters collectively reflect a range of opinions on the legal and societal implications of homosexuality, revealing a spectrum of concerns surrounding personal freedom, maturity, and public health. Through this debate, the writers highlight the complexities of sexual orientation, maturity, and the role of legal frameworks in moderating behaviour and protecting vulnerable populations.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand