New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is set to deliver a formal state apology to individuals convicted under laws criminalizing homosexuality before its decriminalization in 1984, acknowledging the harm and trauma inflicted.
On Thursday, June 5, 2024, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns will deliver a formal state apology to individuals convicted under laws that criminalized homosexuality before its decriminalization in 1984. The apology is scheduled for 12:15 PM in the lower house, with Penny Sharpe, the first openly lesbian minister in NSW, offering a corresponding apology in the upper house at 2:00 PM.
The apology acknowledges the harm and trauma inflicted on many by such discriminatory laws. Among those present will be Robert French and Jill Wran, widow of former Premier Neville Wran, under whose leadership homosexuality was decriminalized.
The apology coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Crimes (Amendment) Bill 1984. NSW follows behind states like Victoria and South Australia, which issued similar apologies in 2016.
This move intends to provide closure for many affected, although calls for further reforms and compensation persist.
