Queensland police to issue apology to queer community

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.

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