SIR,—Now that the Government has nerved itself to 'take note'
of the Wolfenden Report, it is to be hoped that the lapse of time since its publication will have served to put the problems of prostitution and homo- sexuality into perspective and focus, and to allow of
their consideration objectively without undue emotional or other bias.
Though these subjects appear at first sight to he distinct and unrelated—and therefore should receive separate consideration—both stem from extra-normal sexuality. The anomaly of the severity and incidence of the law in respect of homosexuality—a common enough variation and deviation of the sex instinct, affecting both sexes alike, is in marked contrast to its attitude to prostitution, fornication and adultery, all of which are •withuut question more serious in their consequences sociologically. It is in this context that the homosexual laws invite consideration and amend- ment. Here opinion differs widely, coloured as it is by the influence of long-standing laws, custom and predilection. This much, however, can be said : the law relating to homosexuality, applying to one sex only is unjust, inexpedient, out of date and ought to be amended. Secondly, the present law engenders cor- ruption and evil out of all proportion to its possible attributes. Thirdly, morality and good conduct are best encouraged by laws which are inherently just and which are generally acceptable to the moral sense of the community. On these grounds few thoughtful people would question the desirability and wisdom of amending laws which knowledge and circumstance have largely brought into disrepute. At the same time is it too much to hope' that the laws appertaining to sexuality as a whole be put on a more rational and equitable basis?
Let the Government and House of Commons come to their duty and act wisely and expeditiously in the urgent and important task which awaits them.—Yours faithfully, The Vicarage, Earlittlin
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