The Premier of New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, issued a formal apology for the harm caused by laws criminalizing homosexuality that were in place until 40 years ago. The Premier expressed deep regret for the pain inflicted by these unjust laws, acknowledging the damage done to individuals and communities.
New South Wales was the last state in Australia to offer an apology for its previous legislation criminalizing gay sex acts, following similar apologies from other states in 2016 and 2017. The decriminalization of homosexual acts between adult men occurred in 1984, with the state also recording numerous 'gay hate' deaths in the 1980s, partly due to fear and hostility surrounding the AIDS epidemic.
A legislative change in 2014 allowed individuals with convictions under the repealed laws to seek expungement. The Premier highlighted the significant impact these laws had on those convicted, leading to lost opportunities, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
The Premier expressed sorrow for individuals who were unable to live authentically due to these laws, emphasizing the importance of allowing everyone to experience the joy of love without fear or discrimination. The Premier's apology was a step towards acknowledging and rectifying the injustices of the past.
A lawmaker in Sydney, who is one of the few openly gay members in the state parliament, emphasized the ongoing need for progress in LGBTQ rights. He called for greater acceptance and respect for individuals' privacy and autonomy, advocating for legislation to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in educational settings.
