Homosexual law changes

Press, 2 April 1985, Page 16

Homosexual law changes

Sir, — Gregory Smith, in his letter on homosexuality (March 30), suggests that the Bible contains “proof of an intelligent God who deigned to create woman for man, never man for man.” It is just this belief, that a woman’s ordained function is to serve the sexual needs of men, that lies at the heart of the violence of rape. In view of this increasing threat to our society, I intend to organise a petition to have the Bible declared illegal. — Yours, etc., R. E. TURNER. March 31, 1985.

Sir,—Yesterday, in our fish and chip shop, I watched two fathers communicating with unhappy young sons by blows instead of hugs and words. I thought of Helen Brown’s fine article on suburban violence. I also thought of our ban on male homosexuality. We need a lot more understanding of how to show love and affection. It is wrong to outlaw any genuine affectionate relationships in which all sides are respected. If the test for legality was based on harm done to oneself or to others we would surely have to outlaw Christians, Muslims and heterosexuals long before homosexuals. If homosexuality was truly unnatural it would be too rare to worry those who live by rules instead of love. Let us abandon our scapegoats and look at our own shortcomings. We have a long way to go before all New Zealanders can fall asleep each night feeling loved. Let us repeal this law and start work on our real problems. — Yours, etc., ALAN WILKINSON. March 31, 1985.

Sir,—No-one would want J. Ngarimu’s “vast majority” (who counted them?), of non-stereotype, homosexual men leading hidden and secret lives, to be harassed. Fortunately only a very few blow

their cover and go to prison. As for the rest, we might as well legislate for aliens from outer space. “Consenting adults in private” had a great opportunity when law reform, restricted to their category, had its hey-day. Austin Mitchell’s “Compass” programme researchers, with the help of the reform group, a lawyer and a psychology professor, could not produce even one consenting adult to be interviewed anonymously in silhouette. Instead, all those presented as potential victims of the police were inmates of Porirua Hospital at the time. Professional actors portrayed a romantic pickup scene in a hotel bar — not private at all. No time remained for any debate on law reform then or for the next 15 years. — Yours, etc ” VARIAN J. WILSON. March 29, 1985.

Sir, — A great many people I find are keen to do something to support the petition against Fran Wilde’s bill. In four hours yesterday I called on 35 near neighbours with Norman Jon’es petition. Fiftytwo adults signed, most of them eagerly, and only eight declined. Some took petition forms to take to work and to a social club. A few who were at first reluctant to sign quickly changed when shown only one aspect of the bill— that boys aged 12 to 16 could in some circumstances be involved in sodomy with an adult without a crime being committed. Petition forms are available from Salvation Army branches. — Yours, etc., L. J. COOPER. March 31, 1985.