Age Amendment Planned By Nat. M.P. (Press, 17 October 1985)
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Summary: Age Amendment Planned By Nat. M.P. (Press, 17 October 1985)
On 16 October 1985, Mr Philip Burdon, the National member for Fendalton, proposed an amendment to the Homosexual Law Reform Bill aimed at raising the age of consent for homosexual acts from 16 to 20. He made this announcement during the debate on the bill's second reading, expressing confidence that several colleagues from his party would support the amendment. Burdon cited health concerns as the primary reason for his proposal, arguing that legalising sodomy at 16 posed risks to young people's health, particularly due to higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases associated with anal intercourse. He acknowledged that while he opposed criminalising adult homosexual behaviour, he believed the state had a responsibility to protect young individuals from potentially dangerous activities.
Burdon argued for societal acceptance of individual rights after the age of 20, suggesting that personal choices regarding sexual conduct should not be dictated by law. Mr Bruce Townshend, another National member, showed support for Burdon's amendment and indicated he would oppose the removal of clauses relating to the Human Rights Commission Act in the bill.
In contrast, Labour member Mr Trevor de Cleene advocated for the bill's second reading, suggesting that amendments could be addressed later in the legislative process. He critiqued what he described as a "war of moral opposition" in the debate surrounding homosexual law reform, advocating for decriminalisation at age 16 as a matter of human equality. Other Labour members, including Mr Philip Goff and Ms Helen Clark, expressed their support for the bill, with Goff noting that the majority opinion among church leaders in his electorate favoured reform.
Mr Rex Austin, a member of the National Party, opposed the bill and sought to raise the age of consent further, arguing that males mature slower than females and thus should have different ages of consent. Serious concerns were also raised by Mr Winston Peters, who warned that the bill could lead to an A.I.D.S. epidemic, foreseeing significant medical issues if the bill passed without restrictions.
The debate was adjourned at 11 p.m., with plans to continue discussions on the bill on 23 October 1985.
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