Northern Territory to wipe homosexuality convictions

WHEN Dino Hodge arrived in the Northern Territory in the early 1980s, homosexuality was a crime

WHEN Dino Hodge arrived in the Northern Territory in the early 1980s, homosexuality was a crime.

WHEN Dino Hodge arrived in the Northern Territory in the early 1980s, homosexuality was a crime.

It wouldn’t be decriminalised in the NT until 1984.

The threat of persecution – and prosecution – from police for being a gay man was real in the Territory at the time, Dr Hodge recalled.

The Darwin Gay Society refused to record the full names of its members for fear they would be targeted.

Dr Hodge watched on from the public gallery yesterday as legislation to expunge the historical convictions for “homosexual offences” was introduced to Parliament.

The legislation will allow those convicted of those offences to apply to have their records wiped clean. And “authorised people” will be able to apply on behalf of a person who has died.

Dr Hodge said watching the introduction of the legislation was an emotional experience. The adverse impact of the criminalisation of homosexuality still reverberated today, he said.

“The reality is, police persecution continued even in the years after the decriminalisation of homosexuality and reflected the prevailing negative attitudes which made it okay for discrimination, abuse and at times even violence against homosexual men,” he said.

Dr Hodge said those with convictions continued to face problems with applying for jobs or visas or completing working with children checks. He said the legislation would also reduce stigma.

“It sends a really important message to the wider community that LGBTIQ Territorians matter; that their well being and mental health is important,” he said.

Attorney-General Natasha Fyles said a “small number” of people were likely to carry convictions eligible to be expunged.

“For some people, it is still too disturbing for them to speak about it and that is why it’s difficult to have a real grasp on those actual numbers,” she said.

Ms Fyles said expungements would only be available for conduct which would now not be illegal.

Cases will be reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Department chief executive.