Queensland attempted to tackle AIDS while sodomy remained a crime


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It was believed up to 10,000 Queenslanders could have been living with HIV, but only 510 cases had been notified.


Sodomy was still a crime, causing many LGBTI Queenslanders to remain in hiding, and funding was provided to church organisations for community AIDS awareness programs for gay men.


Homosexuality remained illegal in Queensland until 1990 when the Goss Labor government overturned the law Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s government had encouraged police to uphold.


Condom vending machines were also illegal in 1988, although it was recognised that their availability needed to be increased, while efforts were to be concentrated on containing the infection and “preventing the spread into the general heterosexual population”.


Solicitor Anthony Marinac, who compiled an overview of the cabinet documents, said it was difficult to have a coherent HIV policy in 1988 without talking to gay men.


Article source: http://smh.com.au/business/retail/solomon-lew-seeks-myers-share-register-20170927-gypqnt.html

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