Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 30 September 1985)

In letters published on 30 September 1985, several correspondents expressed views on the topic of homosexuality, consent, and societal perceptions of sexual relationships, particularly involving minors and teachers. M. Viney critiqued the Anglican Church’s stance on determining an appropriate age for consent to sodomy by drawing an analogy to the age at which girls can legally consent to sexual intercourse. Viney argued that equating the two acts fails to consider the biological implications of sexual intercourse, which can lead to conception, unlike sodomy. The letter suggested that referencing the age of consent for intercourse in the context of sodomy serves to improperly normalise both activities as equivalent, which Viney strongly opposed. D. M. Madgin responded to Vernon Wilkinson, who had previously expressed strong views on the risks posed by homosexual teachers supervising children during sports activities. Madgin accused Wilkinson of being overly emotional and irrational, suggesting that his personal experiences may have clouded his judgement on the issues of sexuality, conflating paedophilia, homosexuality, and bestiality in his arguments. Madgin argued that those with negative experiences, regardless of the sexual orientation of the perpetrator, share similar fears and proposed that Wilkinson should seek healing in a support group. B. Roberts added to the discourse by questioning the dietary choices of Richard Courtenay and Bert Walker regarding oysters, drawing a parallel to biblical prohibitions against homosexuality. Roberts pointed out that the Leviticus passage deemed both actions as "abominable," highlighting a perceived hypocrisy regarding selective adherence to scripture. Roberts entertained Wilkinson's ideas about teacher supervision during school excursions, suggesting that perhaps lesbian teachers should oversee excursions for boys and homosexual teachers for girls as a solution to parental concerns about supervision, thereby flipping the traditional narrative surrounding fears of homosexual educators. These letters represent a snapshot of the contentious debates regarding sexuality, morality, and societal norms during 1985, reflecting a clash of opinions surrounding the implications of sexual consent and the role of educators in relation to students. The correspondents questioned not only the logic of drawing parallels between different types of sexual activity but also the biases and fears that underpin societal conversations about homosexuality, consent, and safety in schools.

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