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ADVOCATES HOPE TASSIE WILL FOLLOW A.C.T. BY ERASING GAY CRIMINAL RECORDS
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, has welcomed the ACT Government’s announcement that it will erase criminal records for gay sex, and hopes Tasmania will follow suit in 2015.
“This reform lifts the heavy burden of stigma and shame from men who should never have been criminals.”
“The Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Commissioner’s inquiry into this issue shows it raises complex legal issues, but it has in-principle support from the Tasmania Government so I’m hopeful it will occur this year.”
“I’m also hopeful it will be accompanied by an official apology given the deep pain homosexual criminalisation caused, especially in Tasmania where anti-gay laws stayed on the books longer than anywhere else in Australia.”
Victoria, NSW and South Australia have already erased gay criminal records.
For a news report on the ACT announcement, click here.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome