[Greens-Media] Deleting gay convictions a win for equality and common sense

[Schultz-Byard, Noah (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday, 15 October 2014

Deleting gay convictions a win for equality and common sense

The Australian Greens have welcomed the Victorian Parliament's decision to expunge all historic convictions relating to consensual homosexual relationships and have called on other state governments to do the same.

"These men have been forced to live under an unwarranted cloud of suspicion and discrimination. Now, finally, that cloud has been lifted," the Greens' LGBTI spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.

"While Victorian men can now move on from these unreasonable convictions, there are many others around the country who aren't so lucky.

"I welcome this move from the Victorian Parliament and I urge other state governments around the country to do the same."

Speaking at an LGBTI forum in Melbourne tonight with the Greens' candidate for Prahran, Sam Hibbins, Senator Hanson-Young will congratulate the community on achieving this important outcome.

"These convictions were always discriminatory and wrong," Senator Hanson-Young said.

"The road to equality is long and, while we still have some way to go, it's important to recognise this significant step forwards.

"I want to congratulate the LGBTI community and everyone who has worked tirelessly to see this change take place."


Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760


NOAH SCHULTZ-BYARD  STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER

OFFICE OF SENATOR SARAH HANSON-YOUNG
AUSTRALIAN GREENS SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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