Group Reacts To M P.’s Call (Press, 19 October 1985)

On 19 October 1985, the Heterosexuals Unafraid of Gays (H.U.G.) organisation expressed its views regarding the proposed changes to the age of consent for homosexual activity in New Zealand. The group's Wellington coordinator, Ms Kim Saffron, responded to comments made by Fendalton MP Mr Philip Burdon, who suggested raising the age of consent from the 16 years outlined in the Homosexual Law Reform bill. Burdon's reasoning was based on concerns over the physical risks associated with anal intercourse. Ms Saffron argued that physical risks should not be the sole basis for criminalising an activity. She asserted that setting the age of consent at 20 would not effectively deter young people from engaging in homosexual activities, just as the current law had not. Furthermore, she warned that raising the age limit could hinder the ability to educate young homosexuals about safe sexual practices, potentially increasing health risks rather than alleviating them. The H.U.G. organisation's stance highlighted the complexities of legislating sexual consent and the importance of sexual education, particularly for young homosexual individuals. Saffron's comments emphasised that legal restrictions could have unintended consequences on public health and education, advocating instead for supportive measures rather than punitive legislation.

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