155
duct could be penalized merely on the basis of
offending public morals. But you can not talk to
shadows, so the matter of rewriting the laws are left
to people who, while aware of the problems, are not
as close to them as we are, the homosexuals and the
police.” :

The entire matter of rewriting laws governing
sexual behavior began a few years ago when the
Wolfenden Report appeared. It was an exhaustive
study of homosexuality and prostitution in England.
The Committee recommended that homosexuality no
longer be considered a criminal act. In this conclu-
sion, it received wide support.

Following the lead of the State of Il/linois, New
York State is presently involved in a similar discus-
sion. Other states and communities are following

—

suit.

The overwhelming opinion seems to be in favor of
drastic revisions of the statutes, but there is no
agreement as to what extent.

Laws affecting homosexuals clearly will be the last
to go. Critics have misinterpreted the findings of
such studies as the Wolfenden Report by insisting
that eliminating the criminal aspects is the equivalent
of legalizing homosexuality.

Proponents of reform are hard pressed to explain