Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 21 June 1985)
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Summary: Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 21 June 1985)
In June 1985, a series of letters to the editor were published in response to views expressed by M. H. Broughton regarding homosexuality. Broughton claimed that homosexuality stems from emotional immaturity linked to dysfunctional parental relationships and suggested a minimum age of consent of 30 to protect youth from what he termed "seduction" by homosexuals. Craig Hood responded by rejecting Broughton’s assertions, emphasizing that respected scientific opinion supports the understanding that homosexuality is a natural orientation and not a condition resulting from immaturity or choice. He argued that it is more emotionally immature for heterosexual individuals to feel threatened by the existence of gay individuals. Paul Maling further countered Broughton's claims, asserting that his conclusions were based on unsubstantiated psychoanalytic theories. Maling pointed to the lives of renowned homosexuals such as Roger Casement, Tchaikovsky, and Oscar Wilde as evidence that emotional depth and maturity can exist alongside homosexuality. He noted that the progression of sexual development is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to simple theories of immaturity. Mark D. Sadler chimed in to critique Maling, suggesting that youth compliance warrants raising the age of consent to 20 to allow young men more time to engage with heterosexual relationships before facing pressure from homosexuals. He claimed that research contradicts the notion that sexual orientation is fixed early in life. Sadler asserted that experimentation with homosexual relationships may lead to complications in future heterosexual marriages. K. L. Crump, writing on behalf of the Gay Task Force in Wellington, responded by challenging Broughton’s assertion that the causes of homosexuality are linked to emotional immaturity. Crump stated that the origins of sexual orientation are complex and not fully understood. He argued that punitive laws do not deter sexual activity but rather drive it underground, calling for a reform based on fundamental human rights for sexual minorities rather than the maintenance of majority moral standards. Overall, these letters highlight the ongoing debates around homosexuality during this time, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding sexual orientation, consent laws, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
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