Klippert back in the news 50 years later

This has been quite a week in gay history. The Prime Minister’s Office promised a posthumous pardon for approximately 6000 men who were arrested and charged with gross indecency or buggery for consensual sexual acts between men in prior decades.

This was initiated by John Ibbitson’s in-depth review of Everett Klippert’s famous court cases published in the Globe and Mail last weekend, including the first ever published photos of Everett. The Calgary Gay History Project was proud to have supported that article through research findings and interviews.

The news set off a mini-storm of media interview requests locally. Calgary Gay History Project representatives Kevin Allen and Jonathan Brower, also of Third Street Theatre, were kept busy for days.

Jonathan Brower, interviewed twice at CBC in one day, February 29 2016

Here are some links to the highlights:

John Ibbitson’s breaking the news of the PMO pardon in the Globe and Mail.

CTV National coverage of the story.

Calgary Sun editorial, seeking a local response to the injustices of the past.

CBC Calgary interview on the Eye Opener.

Edmonton Journal editorial in support of a Klippert pardon.

Comment from a NWT Legislator.

Toronto Star editorial in support of pardons for gay men.

John Ibbitson’s follow up article about the speed of change in Canadian society.

We are truly grateful that this injustice has finally come to light in such a public arena. Journalists can change the world!

{KA}