50th Anniversary of the Decriminalisation of Homosexuality

Wednesday 20 August
Motions

Ms CLANCY (Elder) (11:51): I rise today in support of the motion put forward by my good friend the member for Gibson, recognising that this year is the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in South Australia. I know many in our community, particularly younger South Australians like Charlie, who is a year 12 from Unley currently in my office doing work experience, would be shocked to hear that being gay was illegal in our state only 50 years ago, during my parents' lifetime and the lifetime of many members in this place.

Today is an opportunity for us to all reflect on the courage, leadership and sacrifice of the LGBTIQA+ community that brought South Australia to the forefront of equality and justice. This anniversary also reminds us of South Australia's proud tradition as a leader in progressive reform. From women's suffrage to Indigenous land rights, to the milestone we are recognising today, our state has consistently stood at the forefront of justice in this nation.

In 1975, South Australia became the first jurisdiction in our country to decriminalise homosexuality between consenting adults, three years before New South Wales and a full 22 years before Tasmania finally followed suit. At a time when prejudice and fear were written into our laws, this reform was a profound statement that love and identity should never be criminal offences. This achievement was not accidental. Today, we recognise the vision and determination of reformers like Premier Don Dunstan and Attorney-General Peter Duncan, leaders who guided our state through a moment of moral clarity, ensuring we removed one of the most shameful stains on our legal system.

We must also remember the context that led to this legislative reform. As has been raised by others, in 1972 University of Adelaide lecturer Dr George Duncan was killed by a group of men. At the time, the southern bank of the Torrens River near Kintore Avenue was a popular place for gay and bisexual men to meet. It was here that Dr Duncan and Roger James were thrown into the river, and Duncan, being unable to swim, drowned. Out of fear for their own safety, none of the witnesses of this attack would identify the perpetrators, who are believed to be police.

Dr Duncan's death was a national shock, revealing to many Australians, unfortunately for the first time, the devastating consequences of intolerance and hatred. The decriminalisation of homosexuality cannot be separated from this story, and neither can it be separated from the countless LGBTIQA+ South Australians whose lives were diminished, hidden or destroyed under these unjust laws.

In supporting this motion, we also honour the sacrifices of so many who suffered under laws that denied their humanity. While Dr Duncan's death was a catalyst, it was the courage of everyday South Australians, from activists to students to allies, that turned grief into change. Throughout the 1970s, queer South Australians took to the streets. They marched, they protested and they demanded to be treated with dignity.

The first gay and lesbian rights protests in our city were not just celebrations; they were acts of defiance in the face of adversity. Those who marched risked losing their jobs, their families and friends, and even risked their safety. Today, the LGBTQIA community continues to draw strength from these moments in history. The progress that has been made in marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections stands on the shoulders of the brave South Australians who took to the streets more than 50 years ago.

I am proud today and every day to be part of the Malinauskas Labor government and we have contributed to building that history. With the passage of the Conversion Practices Prohibition Act last year, our government banned harmful conversion practices as of April. This ban sends a clear message to all South Australians of diverse genders and sexualities: you are not broken, you do not need fixing, and you are loved and valued for who you are.

Today, let us recognise and celebrate this motion, but also know the fight is not over. Queer people still face discrimination, violence and mental health challenges, with higher rates of suicide and suicidal distress. I want to thank members of the community and organisations like SARAA, Thorne Harbour Health, and SHINE SA, that have shared their experiences with me as the Premier's Advocate for Suicide Prevention.

I also want to recognise that trans and gender-diverse people in particular are still fighting the same kinds of battles that gay men fought and won 50 years ago. I am very proud to support this motion, proud that South Australia continues to lead the way, and proud to reflect on the shared history that fuels our present struggle. I commend the motion.