A.I.D.S. (Press, 24 September 1987)

In September 1987, two letters published in response to the growing AIDS crisis in New Zealand addressed concerns about how the epidemic was being managed and discussed in the public sphere. John D. Canham expressed alarm over the perceived inadequacy of responses from responsible authorities and the media regarding the seriousness of AIDS. He argued that the most effective methods to control the disease's spread were abstaining from promiscuous sexual behaviour, encouraging chastity before marriage, and promoting total fidelity within marriage. Despite these views, Canham criticized organisations like the AIDS Foundation and the Family Planning Association for primarily advocating condom use. He contended that this approach mistakenly implied that some promiscuity was acceptable if precautions were taken, which he called a "deadly error." Canham pointed out that condom use is not foolproof and warned that promoting them might lead to increased promiscuity, ultimately endangering lives. He called for a moral reckoning, questioning whether society was too morally compromised to confront the truth about AIDS. On a similar note, M. Lyons highlighted the outcomes of recent Health Department briefing papers that suggested a sobering rise in AIDS cases in New Zealand, mirroring patterns seen abroad. Lyons emphasized the alarming trend of annual doubling of victims, which posed potential economic repercussions for the country. He criticized both past and present governments for their focus on minor issues while neglecting to address what he viewed as the core cause of the epidemic: homosexual behaviour. While expressing compassion for those affected by AIDS, Lyons urged for a pragmatic approach that prioritises public health and safety over the emotional dimension of the crisis. Together, these letters reflect the heightened anxiety and urgency surrounding the AIDS epidemic in New Zealand during this period, calling for a more straightforward dialogue about prevention and behaviour.

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