University Teachers Slate Wall Amendment

Professional people carrying out their normal duties may find themselves before the courts if Dr. Wall's proposed amendment to the Criminal Amendment Bill becomes law. This is the view of Dr. W.C. Clark, President of the Association of University Teachers. Dr. Clark was commenting in Christchurch on June 16 on Dr. Wall's amendment in relation to the work of university teachers.

He explained that homosexuality is a topic of formal study in a number of disciplines including medicine, psychology, sociology and religious studies. Lecturers in history and literature refer to it as part of the background to some of their courses.

Dr. Clark pointed out that the consensus of informed opinion increasingly holds to the view that homosexuality is the natural sexual orientation of a significant minority of individuals. 'This means that if the proposed amendment becomes law some university teachers must either suppress the findings of research which they believe to be valid or risk prosecution. Clearly Dr. Wall's amendment is a serious violation of the principle of academic freedom.'

Dr Clark said that the Aut was most concerned that the study of a significant social phenomenon might be outlawed in the universities. He stated that the Association was making representations on Dr. Wall's proposal to the Minister of Justice.