U.S. Panel Wants to Abolish Tough Curbs on Homosexuals

L.A. Times/Washington Post Service WASHINGTON

A federal task force recommended yesterday that laws against homosexual activities between consenting adults be repealed.

The group of 14 experts, appointed by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), also recommended changes in government regulations and the policies of private industry that bar homosexuals from jobs.

The task force concluded that these changes would "reduce the emotional stresses and improve the mental health" of the nation's 3 million to 4 million adult homosexuals.

"THE EXTREME OPPROBRIUM that our society has attached to homosexual behavior, by way of criminal statutes and restrictive employment practices, has done more social harm than good and goes beyond what is necessary for the maintenance of public order and human decency," the task force said.

The group emphasized that its recommendations would not affect sexual behavior that "violates public decency or involves the seduction of minors."

"Discreet homosexuality is being recognized as the private business of the individual rather than a subject for public recognition." the report commented.