I can’t believe I’m finally typing these words - “gay panic” will no longer be a legal defence for murder in Queensland thanks to our incredibly determined 270,000 signature strong campaign! Literally a few minutes ago the Queensland Parliament voted on the Bill to scrap the “gay panic” defence, and it passed. We’ve done it! After 5 years of relentlessly campaigning for this homophobic, archaic and outdated law to be axed from the legal books in Queensland, I can tonight, breathe a sigh of relief and accomplishment. It’s been a rollercoaster. When an innocent man named Wayne was killed in my parish churchyard 8 years ago, I was revolted by the injustice. The two men who killed him claimed Wayne made “sexual advances” on them, and cited the gay panic defence in court to justify his murder. I then met with Wayne’s mother Joyce, who is still alive today. She was determined to not die until this revolting defence for murder was abolished. Today she’s finally received some justice for her son’s death. Thank you for fight for this campaign with me. For the thousands of emails, calls, news reports, protests and online actions taken - thank you. One of Australia's worst laws has been scrapped because of your signatures. This is as much your win for justice as it is mine, or indeed Joyce’s. From today, saying a gay person made a pass at you will no longer be an acceptable, legal excuse for murder. And I couldn’t be prouder to have led this Change.org petition in honour of Wayne Ruks and his family. Father Paul Kelly Catholic Priest PS. I could not have done this without Change.org's incredible platform. That's why I'm asking you to today join me as a member by chipping in to continue their free service for other people to fight injustice too. Click here to join now: https://www.change.org/s/sustainers