Indecency Reason Removed, Tribunal Told (Press, 6 December 1986)

On 6 December 1986, a significant legal discussion took place concerning the magazine "Advocate Men," which focuses on homosexual content. The Indecent Publications Tribunal convened to assess the magazine following the recent enactment of the Homosexual Law Reform Act, which legalised consensual homosexual acts between males aged 16 and over. The tribunal's chairman, Judge Kearney, indicated that the legal status of homosexuality had removed a primary reason for deeming homosexual material indecent. During the proceedings, Mr George Ireland, representing the importer and publisher, pointed out that previous tribunal decisions had classified similar magazines as indecent due to their encouragement of illegal homosexual activities. However, with the new law in effect, that justification was no longer valid. Ireland argued that for the tribunal to classify "Advocate Men" as indecent, it must demonstrate that the magazine was detrimental to public good. He noted that this issue of the magazine was distinctive, mainly featuring photos of male models in leather clothing rather than the typical multiple male portfolios, which could be considered more provocative. Ireland posited that the erotic stories contained within the magazine were comparable to those found in many heterosexual publications that are assigned a restricted classification. He suggested that such a classification might be fitting due to some of the content presented in the magazine. Mr Warren Lindberg, director of the A.I.D.S. Foundation, expressed support for the availability of erotic literature that fostered a positive self-image among homosexuals. He stressed the importance of promoting safe sex practices through such publications, highlighting the potential health risks associated with covert homosexual activities. Lindberg noted that since the opening of an A.I.D.S. clinic in Auckland earlier that year, a considerable percentage of attendees identified as heterosexual while admitting to homosexual encounters. He conveyed concerns about the likelihood of high-risk behaviours in these unplanned situations, particularly around the lack of condom use. As the tribunal continued its deliberation, Judge Kearney mentioned that while a conclusion had yet to be reached, they were contemplating assigning an R18 classification to "Advocate Men." This case exemplified the ongoing changes and societal attitudes surrounding homosexuality and the representation of gay culture in media following the legal reforms.

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