Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 31 October 1985)
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Summary: Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 31 October 1985)
In October 1985, a letter to the editor from Gordon P. Dennis expressed his discontent with the public opinion poll reported in "The Press" regarding support for the gay law reform bill in the Selwyn electorate, which he felt misrepresented community sentiment. He pointed out that many questionnaires remained unanswered and noted that around 40 people abstained from voting during the annual general meeting. Dennis questioned the implications of the bill, suggesting that if a straightforward question regarding the lawful sodomy of minors had been posed, responses might have been limited. He reaffirmed that the community values family structures and argued that changes to laws regarding homosexuality could be damaging to this foundation. Dennis also responded to comments made by Miss Richardson, who advocated for protecting young men and suggested a minimum age of 20 for legalised homosexual activity; he urged a complete rejection of the gay bill instead. In another letter, Paul Maling addressed historical and biblical perspectives on homosexuality. He recounted an incident in 1850, where English magistrates sentenced a homosexual couple to hanging, citing their actions as a societal danger. Maling contended that such anti-homosexual laws were founded on flawed assumptions, invoking a biblical reference to the story of Sodom, which he argued was misinterpreted. He pointed out that these laws stemmed from a desire to differentiate communities post-Babylonian captivity and suggested that mere non-fraternisation would not yield peace. Maling contrasted this with the ancient Greek view, where homosexual relationships were integral to a strong society and posited that their civilisation serves as a model for contemporary society. Both letters reflect the contentious debate surrounding the gay law reform bill and the differing ideologies regarding homosexuality within the Selwyn electorate at the time.
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