One of the most respected figures in Australia's legal history says the Australian Government will one day apologise to its gay citizens for its history of oppression and legal inequalities.
Former High Court judge Michael Kirby writes in a new collection of essays: "We would all overcome homophobia more quickly if every gay person were open and felt able to say without fear of violence and discrimination: 'This is me. Get over it. It is no big deal!'"
"One day there will be a big parliamentary apology to gay people for the oppression that was forced on them and the inequalities that were maintained in the law well beyond their use-by date. Just like the delayed 2008 apology to the Aboriginal people of our country."
Kirby, 71, came out publically in 1999 while on the High Court bench.
He predicts Australia will soon take steps towards gay marriage laws.
