In a recent three-week trial in the District Court of Western Australia, Morris Leonard Deale, a former member of a West Australian church, has been found guilty of unlawfully and indecently assaulting seven men. The men, aged between 17 and 23 at the time of the incidents, accused Deale of assaulting them after they had fallen asleep, waking to find him touching them. This disturbing case sheds light on the repercussions of a religious upbringing that stigmatizes homosexuality.
During the trial, it was revealed that Deale was once a member of a regional Christian church group that viewed homosexuality as a sin. He testified that during his childhood, he had attended Sunday school, where he was taught that homosexuality was against God’s law. Despite identifying as bisexual now, Deale is no longer a member of the church.
Deale was charged with sexually assaulting ten men, but he was acquitted on three counts. After the allegations surfaced, he was confronted by a senior pastor and subsequently reached out to the complainants to apologize. Despite his claims of touching the men with their consent, the court found him guilty. Deale has been released on bail and is set to appear at a sentencing hearing next month.
This trial is a stark reminder of the harmful consequences of religious teachings that demonize LGBTQ+ individuals. It highlights the need for greater awareness and education to combat such prejudice and discrimination in society.
Australian Man Sentenced to Prison for 1987 Gay-Hate Fueled Killing
In another recent case, Stanley Bruce Early, aged 77, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the 1987 killing of Raymond Keam, in what has been described as a gay-hate fueled attack. The judge’s sentence reflects the court’s strong condemnation of violent acts motivated by hatred and prejudice against individuals based solely on their sexuality or perceived sexuality. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of combating hate crimes in society.
