In a significant step towards reconciliation, the New South Wales government has announced a formal apology to individuals who faced discrimination under previous laws criminalising homosexuality. The apology, scheduled to be delivered in parliament in June, marks 40 years since the state amended the Crimes Act 1900 to decriminalise homosexuality. The decision to apologise comes after decades of advocacy by various groups, including Equality Australia, which has highlighted the enduring impact of the discriminatory laws. Penny Sharpe, Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, emphasised the importance of acknowledging the harm caused by these laws, stating, “A formal apology to those who suffered at the hands of the law that criminalised homosexuality recognises the harm done to many and acknowledges that it was wrong.”