11 Nov, 2015

Rainbow Colours Light Up Adelaide Town Hall

Adelaide Town Hall is set to turn rainbow coloured this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in South Australia.

South Australia was the first state in Australia to decriminalise homosexuality in 1975 under then-Premier Don Dunstan.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said that the City of Adelaide is proud to be a diverse, inclusive city.

“Adelaide has a long history of legal, social and cultural innovation. We are truly a city of firsts and this legislation was ground breaking, not just in Australia but across the globe.

“Adelaide has led the way in celebrating community diversity. In this 40th anniversary of gay law reform, I would like to acknowledge all those people who over the years, have contributed to the development and empowerment of the local LGBTIQ community.

“This may have been through advocacy for law reform and equitable services, entertainment and fundraising, sports, the arts, health, media, academia and more. Collectively these people, and many others, have made a major contribution to the vibrancy of our city.”

The Lord Mayor will also be holding a Civic Reception on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary.

The lighting of the Town Hall leads into the opening this weekend of Feast Festival, South Australia’s largest LGBTIQ cultural festival held in November each year and attracting around 54,000 people. Pride March will be held on Saturday prior to the opening party in the West End.

The Homosexual Histories Conference also takes place this weekend at the UniSA City West Campus. It brings together academics, professional and independent scholars, researchers and students within the broad field of sexuality and gender studies.

“Adelaide is honoured to be hosting this year’s conference and we look forward to welcoming presenters and attendees from Adelaide, across Australia and internationally.

“Using the rainbow colours in a public space and flying the rainbow flag as we are doing at the Town

Hall during the month of November supports Feast 2015, the Homosexual Histories Conference, the

Pride March, and also marks the decriminalisation anniversary,” Lord Mayor Haese said.

“It is just one way we can showcase our commitment to diversity.”

Paula Stevens