If you’re reading this, there are good odds homosexual sex has been legal in Australia for your entire life. Hell, there’s a solid chance you didn’t know it ever was illegal.
Now, 38 years after Fairfax published the full details of those arrested in their newspapers – which outed many participants, and even resulted in some losing their jobs – the media company has issued a mea culpa.
The statement from Sydney Morning Herald’s Editor In Chief Darren Goodsir, obtained by PEDESTRIAN.TV, also explains the circumstances behind their details’ publication:
“In 1978, The Sydney Morning Herald reported the names, addresses and professions of people arrested during public protests to advance gay rights.The paper at the time was following the custom and practice of the day. We acknowledge and apologise for the hurt and suffering that reporting caused.
It would never happen today. We have made contact with representatives of the 78’ers so we can apologise in person.”
It’s worth noting the statement comes less than a fortnight from this year’s Mardi Gras, which was spawned from the 1978 march.
Of course, the powers that be are all about it in 2016, but today’s apology is a stunning reminder of the treatment gay, lesbian, and trans Australians dealt with in not-so-distant history.
Source: Provided.
Photo: Twitter.
