Homosexual Law Changes (Press, 16 November 1985)

In a letter to the editor published on 16 November 1985, R. Willis expresses concerns regarding societal attitudes towards gender roles in sexual practices and the implications of these roles for both men and women. The writer critiques the notion that society holds a double standard when it comes to passive sexual objectification. Specifically, Willis draws attention to how female adolescents, such as 16-year-old girls, are often viewed as promiscuous and susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases, yet questions whether a 17-year-old male in a passive role is perceived any differently when it comes to accountability for sexual practices, including sodomy and potential pregnancies. Willis further examines societal fears regarding female sexuality and contrasts them with the acceptance of stable homosexual male relationships, which typically do not result in unplanned pregnancies. The letter suggests that society seems more alarmed by the idea of girls under the age of consent engaging in sexual activity than by the actions of men in stable same-sex relationships. The author posits that the normalisation of viewing women as passive sex objects has detrimental effects, leading to a troubling contemplation that the response to the AIDS epidemic, particularly concerning young women, could result in legalising prostitution with the goal of ensuring health protection for men. Overall, Willis's letter challenges readers to reconsider prevailing gender biases and the implications these have for both men's and women's sexual health and responsibility in society.

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