CONFIDENTIAL
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It is not, in our view, the function of the law to
intervene in the private lives of citizens, or to
seek to enforce any particular pattern of behaviour,
further than is necessary to carry out the purposes
we have outlined
certain forms of sexual
behaviour are regarded by many as sinful, morally
wrong, or objectionable for reasons of conscience, or
of religious or cultural tradition; and such actions
may be reprobated on these grounds. But the criminal
law does not cover all such actions at the present
time; for instance, adultery and fornication are not
offences for which a person can be punished by the
criminal law." (8)
11.
In recommending that homosexual behaviour between
consenting adults in private should no longer be a criminal
offence, the Wolfenden Committee commented that this sphere of
crime should not be confused with moral or religious views on
Matters of private morality should not in the
Committee's view, be the law's concern. It was argued that it
is important to respect the individual's freedom of choice in
matters of private morality. To recognise that in such
matters the mature individual can be expected to bear
sin.
responsibility for his own actions without the threat of
punishment from the law. (9)
CONFIDENTIAL
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