CONFIDENTIAL
- 13
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Traditional values and the family
機密
24.
It has been argued in response to the Law
Commission's Report that the proposal to change the law on
homosexuality would result in an increase in homosexual
activity which would distort social values and be a threat to
the institution of marriage. The threat to the institution
of marriage and traditional family life would on this view
result from homosexual men being free to express their sexual
preference. This could lead to them either not marrying or
perhaps deserting their families.
25.
It is difficult to find evidence to support the view
that a change in the law would lead to a significant increase
in homosexual behaviour. The present law is very difficult to
enforce and if a homosexual wishes to engage in homosexual
conduct in private with an adult consenting partner it is
almost certain that he will not be detected. After extensive
research the Law Reform Commission was unable to predict the
effect of the implementation of its central recommendation on
the level of homosexual activity. Even if there was to be an
increase in the level of homosexual behaviour it would be
difficult to establish a clear link with family or marriage
breakdowns. The picture is complex but it seems likely that
the present law is not important in preventing family or
marital breakdown. A change in the law would therefore be
unlikely to place significant new pressures on traditional
family life.
CONFIDENTIAL
機密
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