25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Tasmania

If Rodney Croome had been told that one day he’d be at Government House with LGBTIQ+ friends celebrating the 25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Tasmania he would thought he was dreaming.

If Rodney Croome had been told that one day he’d be at Government House with LGBTIQ+ friends celebrating the 25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Tasmania he would thought he was dreaming.

“It would have been inconceivable,” the veteran gay rights campaigner says.

“I would have found it hard to imagine that we would have ever been gathering at Government House, celebrating this anniversary, talking to the Governor and then playing tennis.

“If we need evidence of how Tasmania has change, the evidence is right here.”

Governor Barbara Baker AC hosted the celebration with the Hobart Out Tennis Club on Sunday to mark the day in 1997 when Tasmania became the last state to decriminalise homosexuality.

Rodney Croome, President of Equality Tasmania Picture: Linda Higginson

She said it was “a very significant event” and stressed the need for Tasmanians to be inclusive and not judge others on their race, colour or sexual orientation.

“I acknowledge you and your many friends for your courage, tenacity and patience to change the legislation,” Ms Baker said.

“Above all, we thank you for your faith that a decent society would eventually prevail over its prejudices.

“We should acknowledge that the early debates in the Legislative Council in the 1990s were often very hurtful.

“As one person said, having listened to debate in the Parliamentary Gallery: ‘We could do nothing but weep as the Legislative Council tore our lives to shreds.”

Governor of Tasmania, Hon Barbara Baker AC. Picture: Linda Higginson

Tennis Club secretary Brendon Oliver-Ewen said the club approached Government House to use the heritage courts for a small morning tea for members to mark the anniversary.

“It was extraordinary that the Governor expanded the event and has been so welcoming, it’s a really good feeling,” he said.

Mr Croome paid tribute to Ms Baker’s husband Distinguished Emeritus Don Chalmers who supported the campaign and said Tasmania had undergone a “remarkable transformation” since the laws were repealed.

“Changing Tasmania was hard. Professor Chalmers saw just how hard when he stood should-to-shoulder with us in the face of dreadful prejudice trying to convince our legislators to act.

“We took great risks, setting up our stall at Salamanca Market when we knew we would be arrested, submitted out case to the UN when we were told it wouldn’t work, turning ourselves in to the police when we could have been gaoled.

Members of Hobart Out Tennis Club Picture: Linda Higginson

“Our campaigning was a blend of boldness and vulnerability.”

Mr Croome said while much of the hate had gone since he outed himself as gay in 1987 there were still struggles ahead for inclusive schools, better health services, and “dignity, equality and acceptance”.