Queensland

Queensland police to issue apology to queer community

The Queensland Police Service has committed to issuing a formal apology to the LGBTIQ+ community for historic enforcement of discriminatory laws in the state.
Max Elliff  |  Australian News
A flag is raised at the Queensland Police Headquarters in Brisbane.
A flag is raised at the Queensland Police Headquarters in Brisbane.(Supplied: Queensland Police Service)

The Queensland Police Service has committed to issue a landmark apology to the queer community for past enforcement of discriminatory laws.

The decision comes after, for the second year in a row, officers participating in the Brisbane Pride Festival march and rally were asked not to do so in uniform.

The committee of Brisbane Pride Inc. made the decision in August last year, based on discussions with members of the community. In a statement, the organisation said, “Both organisations agree that a formal apology by the police is one of the steps that is needed to move forward for a positive future together”.

Police Commissioner Katarina Caroll said that the apology, to be issued in 2023, would acknowledge the harmful past actions of the police force “enforcing the laws of the time that criminalised the expression of their sexuality”.

Apology for 'criminalised sexuality'

In an internal memo to staff also issued this week, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the formal statement of "regret and apology" to LGBTIQ+ people would be issued in the coming months.

She told staff the apology would acknowledge the QPS past actions that impacted LGBTIQ+ people by "enforcing the laws of the time that criminalised the expression of their sexuality".

"We recognise the hurt and pain this has caused," the memo said.

Commissioner Carroll also said in the memo she was hopeful staff would be able to march in uniform next year.


FIND WHAT YOU WANT EASILY WITH LGBTIQ.DIRECTORY

LGBTIQ SUPPORT PATHWAYS
LGBTIQ SOCIAL & COMMUNITY GROUPS
LGBTIQ FRIENDLY BUSINESS & SERVICES




More Coverage

It’s time we aligned sexual consent laws

The current push to harmonise sexual consent law is important and timely. It would help support educational efforts around sexual consent and reduce confusion about the law.

NSW sniffer dogs to stay

Sniffer dog operations have reportedly returned following their apparent suspension due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Broken Hill welcomes first LGBTIQ police conference

Some of New South Wales's top-ranking cops have made their way an inaugural gay and lesbian police conference at Broken Hill.

Dani Laidley stuns at AFL’s night of nights

Danielle Laidley has made her first appearance on the Brownlow Medal red carpet, stunning guests in a white gown, alongside partner Donna Leckie.

Aussie & International LGBTIQ+ Days of Significance

Our list of LGBTIQ+ days of significance. Memorial days, remembrance and awareness days that are celebrated and commemorated in Australia and worldwide.

© All rights reserved FUSE Magazine. Website designed by Lithium.

Back to Top