The NSW Government is today announcing that it will issue a formal state apology to those convicted under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts.
This comes as we mark the 40th anniversary of the Crimes (Amendment) Bill 1984 passing in the Parliament of NSW, which decriminalised homosexuality in our state.
The decriminalisation of homosexuality by former Premier Neville Wran, marked a significant step forward in the journey of law reforms for gay and lesbian communities.
As we reflect on this historic occasion, the NSW Government acknowledges the challenging history that LGBTIQ+ communities have faced in our state.
We recognise the trauma people of diverse sexualities have endured, and continue to live with, because of past decisions that criminalised and persecuted them based on their sexuality.
While we have made significant strides of progress over time, we acknowledge that there is still much work to be done to ensure the equal rights for all members of our community.
As we commemorate this significant anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to building a NSW where every individual is valued and respected.
NSW is the last state to issue an apology. Victoria and South Australia formally apologised in 2016, followed by Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania in 2017.
The formal state apology will be made in NSW Parliament.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
“I know that to many this apology will not remedy discrimination of the past, but I hope that it brings some semblance of closure to those that were unfairly targeted by laws of the day that criminalised gay and lesbian people for being who they are.”
Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Penny Sharpe said:
“Decriminalisation of homosexuality was a significant step that smashed through the wall of laws that allowed discrimination against gay men and the LGBTQ community.
“A formal apology to those who suffered at the hands of the law that criminalised homosexuality recognises the harm done to many and acknowledges that it was wrong.”