THE PRESS TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1985. Homosexual law changes

Press, 12 March 1985, Page 18

THE PRESS TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1985. Homosexual law changes

The vote in Parliament on the introduction of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill probably reflects the mood of the community towards the measure. Fifty-one members from a House of 95 — rather more than half — voted for the introduction of the bill. Twenty-four opposed it and 20 members were absent or abstained from voting. National Party and Social Credit members made up the majority of those opposed in what was a conscience vote without party direction. Some members who voted for the bill’s introduction almost certainly did so only because they believe the matter should be debated, and public comment and submissions should be sought by the country’s legislators. Some of those who abstained from voting probably oppose the bill, but believe they have compelling reasons not to be seen to be taking sides, an attitude not uncommon in the community at large. In the community, as in Parliament, a majority of people probably favour reform, on the grounds that the law as it stands discriminates against one group of males in some of their most intimate and private affairs. Evidence from abroad suggests the heavens do not fall once homosexual acts between consenting adults become lawful. Argument is heard that if homosexual acts are lawful, detection and treatment of the disease A.LD.S. will be easier. That may be so in the longer term. In the short run the spread of A.I.D.S. may be encouraged. People suffering from sexually-transmitted diseases, however contracted, are still among those most reluctant to seek treatment. Whatever the law may say, in the eyes of

much of the community homosexuality will remain distasteful; an attitude as old as recorded history will not be changed by legislation. Advantages might still accrue from reform of the law. The possibility of blackmail of homosexuals will be reduced. For some, homosexual practices may lose their charm once they no longer carry the thrill of illegality. Some cynics might argue that left to themselves, homosexuals will simply fail to breed and will die out, although there is no evidence to suggest that this happens in societies where the condition is accepted.

Some of the commonest foul and abusive words in English refer to homosexual practices. This language is likely to retain its force and its use, whatever the law may decree. Homosexuals have struck back in recent years with the prostitution of the word “gay,” once one of the most charming and innocent of words. Until recently it meant light-hearted and carefree, and innocent of guile or harm. Since homosexuals began using it to describe themselves, its old use has become almost impossible and the language is the poorer. Homosexuals as a group are hardly lighthearted people; often they seem the reverse, though they might argue that their unhappy legal status inevitably affects their demeanour. Perhaps that will change if their behaviour becomes legal. On balance, reform of the law seems the likely outcome of Parliament’s deliberations. Some members of the House, and a significant part of the population, can still be expected to fight hard against a measure that seems to imply approval of behaviour that much of the community regards as unnatural and abhorrent.