“Here in Victoria, equality is not negotiable. Here, you can be different from everybody else, but still be treated the same as everybody else.”
Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews stood up in Parliament and delivered a sensitive and unreserved apology to the LGBTI community of Victoria for the “official, state-sanctioned homophobia” that the state’s criminalisation of homosexuality inflicted on thousands of people. In his “full and formal apology”, Andrews included several personal accounts from men who fell victim to the state’s archaic laws; some of which, unbelievably, happened as late as 1977 (the laws were terminated in 1981). You can read the full speech here (and if you happen to get something in your eye while reading it, then join the club).
In his speech, Andrews referred to Victoria as the “progressive capital” – and as the premier continues to show, these words are far from empty. Andrews has pledged $15 million to building Australia’s first Pride Centre; and earlier this year, the premier took two young kids from Nauru to the Melbourne Zoo for the day as part of his support for the #LetThemStay movement.
Unsurprisingly, Andrews is being lauded as the leader of the moment; a refreshing, progressive voice in Australian politics. It’s lead to plenty of non-Victorians expressing their jealousy that they can’t have him as their premier – much like the world’s frustration that we can’t all have Justin Trudeau as our dad/husband/boss/brother.
Thank U @DanielAndrewsMP @MatthewGuyMP #GayApology wish @AnnastaciaMP @TimNichollsMP would do same #qldpol #LoveisLove not #crime #expunge
— Johann De Joodt (@JDJhope) May 24, 2016
Moving to Victoria was a good choice. I now have the chance to vote for @DanielAndrewsMP. a beautiful apology, sir. Thank you.
— emmasee (@emmasee100) May 24, 2016Wish @DanielAndrewsMP was my Premier.
— enVuelo (@en_Vuelo) May 24, 2016
Every state needs a @DanielAndrewsMP I wish NSW had one. #abc730
— Denise C (@SpudBenBean) March 30, 2016
I wish NSW had a bridge building Premier like @DanielAndrewsMP instead of a tree destroying neighbourhood killer like #casinomike
— Esther Clerehan (@clerehan) May 24, 2016
@DanielAndrewsMP, inspiring gay apology. A true leader, would make me proud to live in Victoria. Please run for PM!
— Andrew Le Roy (@TheAndrewLeRoy) May 24, 2016
I'm moving to Melbourne @DanielAndrewsMP for PM. This is what real real leadership looks like. #springst #gayapology
— Matt Mayfair (@mattmayfair) May 24, 2016
Sorry, guys – we're not letting this guy go anywhere.