June 8th: The Day Homosexuality Became Legal

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The history of June 8th really shocked me. On this day, in 1984, the Australian state of New South Wales officially legalized homosexuality. 1984! This is the same year which brought us the movie Ghostbusters; the Apple Macintosh was first introduced; and Band Aid released the charity song 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'. And New South Wales! We're talking about the state that holds Australia's capital, Canberra, and several other huge cities like Sydney and Newcastle. What appalls me is that while the context of 1984 and New South Wales seems quite modern and liberal; prior to June 8th, homosexuality was a crime.

  Compared with Britain and Wales, New South Wales took an extra 17 years to pass the law, as the British government made a step towards equality for homosexuals in 1967. Having said that, compared with the U.S.A, they appear well ahead of their time, with the States only just achieving nationwide legality of same-sex sexual activity in 2003 (!). Even then that's not taking into account family rights which vary by state, which expose the colossal issues surrounding this topic. 

  When I say 'homosexuality was legalized', there are a few ifs and buts to consider. New South Wales stopped homosexuality being a crime, but included an unequal age of consent of 18 years (compared to 16 years for straight and lesbian couples). Only in 2003 did the state lower the age of consent to 16, in correspondence with straight couples. Here are a few more jaw-dropping facts about LGBT rights in Australia:

• In June 1978, despite previously obtaining permission for the event, 53 gay rights activists were arrested for marching in Sydney. The Sydney Morning Herald proceeded to 'out' the marchers to their friends and employers, resulting in job loss and social exile.
• New South Wales only recognized 'de facto' co-mothers as legal parents for children born through donor insemination in June 2008. Only since then did birth certificates acknowledge both mothers.
• Same sex adoption has only been pronounced legal in New South Wales since September 15th 2010. Something straight couples might take for granted.
• A sodomy law still exists in the state of Queensland, punishing anyone under 18 years practicing anal sex with up to 14 years in prison.

Gay Rights Protests

  These horrifyingly recent dates should open your eyes wide (extremely wide!) to the injustices and existing discrimination of homosexuality. Just because a law has passed doesn't mean it will solve everything overnight. Society is still teeming with homophobic references and abuse. However, June 8th signaled a revolutionary movement for LGBT rights in New South Wales, Australia, which has led to further successes striving towards total equality.