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It was a moment in the story of civilization. Wilde had written: "Out of sorrow have the worlds been built,. and at the birth of a star or a child there is pain." Out of sorrow came this moment in London when we stood to honor the name which he himself dishonored) and to declare that the waters of time have cleansed the man of his sins and left the poet, the dramatist and the wit to enrich the centuries. ★

Established January 1953

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Magazine, published by One, Inc., 232 S. Hill St.. Los Angeles 12, Calif. Monthly. Subscription rates, $2.50 per year (U. S. & Canada), 2 years, $4. Mailed first class, $8.50 per year. All other countries, by regular mail, $3.50 per year. Single copies, 31 cents by first class mail. U. S. & Canada.

AUSTRALIA FACES IT, TOO....

The Problem Of Homosexuality

In far-off Sydney, Australia, the problem of homosexuality has taken on an importance comparable almost to that in England today.

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The Sydney Morning Herald, a leading newspaper in that nation's largest city, came forward recently with a "leading article" calling for a common-sense and realistic evaluation of present laws of the Commonwealth, with a view to revising these laws in the interest of justice, rather than prejudice and generations-old superstitions.

The newspaper's editorial brought forth a signifieant response-and endorsement-from a director of the city's Father and Son Welfare Movement. It is printed in full below:

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Sir.-Your editorial of March 28, appealing for a more sensible and constructive. approach to the problem of homosexuality, will strike a chord in many hearts.

One social attitude that is tenaciously persistent is the lack of sympathy with which many people, including community leaders, regard the person who has developed homosexual tendencies. This sometimes assumes even scornful contempt.

The present law regarding homosexual offences, unfortunately encourages this benighted attitude. To the homosexual is meted out a severity of punishment and viciousness which other offenders, equally anti-social, manage to escape.

In no other area of life does the law hold itself competent. to

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interfere with the private actions of consenting adults (i.e., private distinct from anti-social). Young men and women may enter into pre-marital sexual relationships, or adults into extramarital affairs with reckless abandon, yet the law does not reserve the prerogative to interfere in such cases. (Of course, a civil action can be brought in the case of adultery.)

'With commendable initiative the Minister of Justice promises to introduce a bill to deal more humanely and effectively with the problem. It is hoped that wide and expert opinion will be sought by the Government so that as many constructive measures as possible will be embodied in the proposed legislation.

JOHN ROBSON, Director,

Father and Son Welfare Movement.

Sydney.

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mattachine REVIEW

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REPORT

GERMAN SCIENTIST-ATTORNEY MOURNED IN EUROPE

The sudden and untimely death of Dr. Botho Laserstein in Germany early this summer was an event of great sorrow in all circles concerned with science, human rights and the equality of man.: As a modern author and scientist, Dr. Laserstein had gained renown that will last far. beyond his lifetime!

Dr. Laserstein was a member of the Central Board of the InHe had ternational Committee for Sexual Equality, Amsterdam been scheduled as one of the principle speakers at ICSE's upcoming annual Congress, to be held this year in Paris.

As an attorney, Dr. Laserstein had the respect of the Germau people for his indefatigable fight for laws which would promote sexual equality. In particular, he fought against Art. 175 of the German penal code related to homosexuality.

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Dr. Laserstein was a member of the German Society for Human Rights, and had served on immigrant committees in Prague and Paris. He was a man quick to forgive and is remembered to have said, "I reject all feeling of primitive vengeance; nothing will be attained by it."

C.O.C. DISCUSSES, FRIENDSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY

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Spring and summer meetings of the COC (Cultuur en Ontspanningscentrum) in Holland drew together some 70 members from all parts of the country to consider aspects of the topic of

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