Homosexual persecution: Austrian justice minister apologizes
Apology" is still a word that does not easily cross the lips of many people. Now the Austrian Minister of Justice, Alma Zadić, took an important step. She apologized for the fact that until about 20 years ago gays were persecuted in the country.
Many people were very touched by the gesture and emphasized its special significance.
Alma Zadićs apology - what exactly was it about?
There were also anti-LGBTQ tendencies in Austria - especially in the post-war period. For example, until the early 1970s it was forbidden to live out one's love as a man for men. At that time, thousands of people were convicted.
The corresponding criminal offense at the time was called "same-sex fornication." Until the start of the 2000s, being gay was still considered illegal in many areas. It was not until 2002 that the increased age of consent in connection with male sexuality was declared null and void.
Accordingly, the statement that Alma Zadić now made in the jury courtroom in Vienna can certainly be seen as a caesura. She declared that, as Minister of Justice, she apologized to all homosexual people and their relatives for what had happened, i.e. the persecution on the basis of their sexual orientation. She said she regretted "the suffering and injustice" that had occurred. Those affected were "violated in their dignity, in their humanity" by those who "should have protected them.
Austrian minister thanks the community
In her speech, the Austrian minister also emphasized the great importance of the LGBTQ community. Its members have worked for years for equal rights, tolerance and against discrimination.
Many people were enthusiastic about the speech and praised it - including on social networks - as an important step in the right direction. It was not only about showing that in today's world it is of course perfectly okay to love the same sex, but also about putting the condemnations of the past in a new light.
Interestingly, the apology and the decriminalization it entails is a step that many queers have long called for in the past.
Will the victims of that time be compensated?
Those who have been condemned in the past for their love of the same sex have been hurt in different ways and have suffered psychological wounds from this, among other things.
Now many people are asking themselves whether an apology can be enough to provide a solid basis. Calls for financial compensation for those affected are currently being heard in numerous places. After all, many homosexuals were arrested at the time and lost - in some cases more, in others less - of their lives.
However, no final decision has yet been made with regard to this requirement. Accordingly, it remains exciting to see how things will develop here in the future.
LGBTQ and Austria - what is the situation?
Over time, the LGBTQ community in Austria has grown continuously. Among other things, many initiatives and projects have been launched by the capital Vienna to strengthen the rights of queers and prevent discrimination.
For example, the relevant grants deal with, among other things:
- Measures to reduce discrimination
- Support for those affected
- Promotion of participation
- the demand for more diversity in everyday life.
However, it should not be forgotten here that homophobia, LGBTQ hatred, etc. still exist even in such a progressive country as Austria. However, the apology of the Austrian Minister of Justice is undoubtedly an important milestone, which should have given a boost to the community, among others.
In this context, it is of course also gratifying that this year's Rainbow Parade will take place on June 19 - of course under Corona conditions. The demonstration is to be held on foot and by bicycle. The complete Vienna Pride is to take place partly on and partly offline and thus again reach as many people as possible.
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