Homosexual law changes

Press, 19 April 1985, Page 10

Homosexual law changes

Sir, — The Homosexual Law Reform Bill seems no longer to be a sexual matter, but a matter Christian morals. These people seem to think that what is written in the Bible is good for everyone. Whether or not one believes in it appears not to matter to them. If these people wish to meet on Sundays and pray to their God, so be it. There is no excuse why they should be allowed to impose their Christian beliefs on others. It was stated on Sunday, April 14, at a rally in Cathedral Square by one of the speakers (Mr Graham Lee) opposed to the Homosexual Law

Reform Bill that people are not bom gay. People are not bom Christians either. So whether one chooses to be gay or a Christian should be his or her own right — Yours, etc., KERRY McGILL. April 16, 1985. Sir,—ln the midst of such lively debate on the Homosexual Law Reform Bill I am surprised that you relegated an article on the recently opened London Centre for Homosexual People to an insignificant item on page 30 (“The Press,” April 17). This illustrates one of two things: Either what I would consider a questionable editorial decision to relegate the article to the “back pages,” or a lack of awareness as to its relevance and importance in the light of current interest in this subject. The financing of a gay centre in London from local government funds serves to highlight just how unenlightened we can sometimes be in New Zealand, and just how Victorian many New Zealanders are showing themselves to be over this issue. When I came to New Zealand with my family 11 years ago this country had a reputation for being two decades behind Western Europe. In many ways this no longer holds true, and I hope that the eventual passage of this bill into law will further serve to lay this image to rest. — Yours, etc., RICHARD BARRETT. April 17, 1985.

Sir, — I was fascinated to read Bert Walker’s letter (April 16) of his experience at Sunday afternoon’s meeting in the Square. What most interested me was his reference to the speakers as “real men”; if “real men” are measured by the hate they espouse and the fear they attempt to engender, then I could only agree with him. Another one of the “real men” who no doubt really impressed Mr Walker was the one holding aloft the placard stating “say yes to the tour, say no to poofters.” — Yours, etc., D. PETTITT. April 17, 1985.