New South Wales becomes last Australian state to apologize for laws criminalizing homosexuality

Source: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
Author: Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- The leader of Australia's most populous state apologized Thursday for the "unforgivable pain" caused by previous laws criminalizing homosexuality, 40 years after gay sex was decriminalized in New South Wales.

"We are here to apologize for every life that was damaged or diminished or destroyed by these unjust laws," Premier Chris Minns said in a speech to the state parliament. The legislation "should never have existed," he added.