Nation-leading redress hailed by equality advocates
Nation-first compensation for people convicted of past sodomy crimes is scheduled to be formally approved by a state legislature, and advocates are urging others to follow suit.
In 1997, Tasmania became the last jurisdiction in Australia to decriminalize homosexuality, and until 2001 cross-dressing was also illegal in the state.
In 2017, the state government apologized for the criminalization of homosexuality and passed legislation on erasing historical crimes.
Legislation that would create a compensation scheme for people accused or convicted of homosexuality or cross-dressing is expected to clear its final hurdle in the Tasmanian parliament on Thursday.
Equality Tasmania’s Rodney Croome, who is part of the campaign to decriminalize homosexuality, said the compensation was a symbol of how much Tasmania had changed.
“It was a really difficult and polarizing debate that lasted a decade and involved the U.N., the federal government, the Supreme Court and anti-gay rallies,” he said.
“It’s really pleasing to me that Tasmania has become the first state from that period to provide financial compensation to the victims of these outdated laws.”
Those charged will be eligible to receive $15,000, those convicted will receive $45,000, and those sentenced to fines or imprisonment will receive $75,000.
Independent MP Ruth Forrest said the plan, the first of its kind nationally, showed the parliament was serious about working towards recovery.
“The shadow of these laws is long and dark,” he told the upper house on Wednesday.
“Although you can never fully compensate anyone… it helps you recognize the shame and trauma.”
The law to put the plan into effect is expected to be officially adopted by the upper house during the final reading on Thursday.
It passed to the lower house in September 2024.
Human rights law expert Paula Gerber said about 100 people had been convicted of homosexuality in Tasmania.
He said the legislation was a seminal moment for Australia and should be followed in other states and territories.
“We have admitted that these laws were a mistake. Now it is time to show our citizens how sorry we are for treating them this way,” Professor Gerber said.
Professor Gerber and Mr Croome said they would campaign for compensation to be extended to family members of the dead men.
“Most of the people affected are quite elderly and many have died,” Mr Croome said.
“It’s my regret that this didn’t happen sooner. But I know there are guys out there for whom this would make a difference.”
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