Homosexual law reform

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 11, 12 August 1986, Page 2

Homosexual law reform

Dear Sir, I've been tempted to answer letters to the editor before but never have. However, John Jellicoe's letter in the Bulletin recently can't, 1 feel, go unanswered. He says. "the morality of New Zealand men and women who fought for this country in the two world wars has been lowered by the passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill." What about recognition of the efforts by the homosexuals in these ranks? Isn't he doing them a disservice with his letter and his thinking? They weren't fighting for a homosexual cause, but one of freedom.

And if he thinks there were no homosexuals fighting in those wars, then his tunnel-vision is even greater than I imagine it to be. They contributed with their bravery then. and thev contribute now with their share of taxes and talents. He also states, "homosexuals only know one thing". Surely he doesn't believe that! Obviously he's never had a chance to meet and talk with these people to know just what they are like. If he's not at least prepared to do that, he shouldn't be writing public letters about which he knows little. As for his final statement. lumping homosexuality in

with murder, brutal assaults. rapes and robberies. we shall see if hopiosexual law reform adds to these by giving the law a chance to work. I hope it will become evident that New Zealand is not going to sink to the bottom of the sea just because homosexuals have been granted a little dignity by being able to legally live their lives and get on with their own relationships in their own way. Let's see what happens shall we, before we hastily reach for our pens to condemn.

/./o i ti Scott

Wellington