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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 37, No. 2. August 7, 1974

Dear Roger,

On July 25/26 the Evening Post and the Dominion carried adverts calling people to sign a petition, and demonstrate outside the National Party conference, against proposed reform of the homosexual laws and for the extension of "the perfectly good homosexual laws" to women. The "Young Christians" (headed by Richard Wardle) who placed the adverts, also wanted increased penalties prescribed under the present law. Mr Wardle has also been airing his views in Salient.

The supporters he claims (e.g. Pat Bartlett) have, in fact, proved rather reluctant in their supposed support, and various disclaimers have been published.

SCM certainly doesn't agree with his views on homosexuality, yet the recent campaign has strongly implied that the Christian position is being represented. Recent statements by the main denominational churches in NZ make it quite obvious that many Christians support homosexual law reform; to quote verses from the Bible such as:

"Choose yet this day whom ye will serve; as for me and my house we will serve the Lord Jesus Christ" and to invoke them against homosexuality, is, to many people, manipulation and misuse of the implications of these words. Most Christians apparently favour homosexual law reform, rather than the venomously repressive position promoted by Mr Wardle and the "Young Christians".

SCM feels that any oppressive situation is wrong; at present, NZ homosexuals are very much discriminated against and SCM supports all attempts to remove this discrimination.

The laws against homosexuality should be repealed, so that homosexuals aren't prevented, any more than heterosexuals, from fully expressing their "normal" humanity.

Marion Hewson

David Steele

for SCM