Censoring Condoms
Condoms became a pressing health issue in Australia in the early 1980s with the emergence of the AIDS epidemic.
AIDS the facts - informational flyer created by Queensland Health (1975-01-01/1975-12-31) by Department of HealthQueensland State Archives
The first case of HIV-AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was reported in Australia in 1982. Initially thought of as a disease that only affected gay men, it was soon accepted that HIV-AIDS could affect anyone.
Condoms were globally promoted as the best protection against the spread of the disease but, at the time, the Queensland Government continued to promote abstinence as the key form of defence.
A letter from a member of the public urging against the installation of condom vending machines (1987-01-01/1987-12-31) by Police DepartmentQueensland State Archives
Despite this being a national health concern, morality was at the heart of matter for the conservative State Government. Under the leadership of Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, who was particularly hawkish on matters of sex, federal government programs to teach sex education in schools were banned in Queensland in 1978.
Health Act of 1937 Section 106 of the Health Act of 1937 (1937-01-01/1937-12-31) by Legislative AssemblyQueensland State Archives
Even after 1987's notorious national ‘Grim Reaper’ AIDS awareness campaign, condoms were only available for purchase in Queensland from pharmacies and supermarkets, and automatic condom vending machines were banned under the Health Act.
Report made by police in the Oxley district regarding the removal of condom vending machines Report made by police in the Oxley district regarding the removal of condom vending machines (1987-01-01/1987-12-31) by Police DepartmentQueensland State Archives
In contravention of the Act, several universities throughout the state installed these machines. Both machines installed at Townsville’s James Cook University sold out of condoms within a week!
Even though Health Minister Mike Ahern was supportive of condom vending machines as a public health measure, Premier Bjelke-Petersen ordered him to arrange their removal.
Report made by police in the Oxley district regarding the removal of condom vending machinesQueensland State Archives
The police were filmed taking the machines away, becoming a major international news story.
A letter from a member of the public urging against the installation of condom vending machines (1987-01-01/1987-12-31) by Police DepartmentQueensland State Archives
Ahern replaced Bjelke-Petersen as Premier on 9 December 1987. Within weeks, Cabinet authorised an amendment to the Health Act removing the ban on selling condoms from automatic vending machines.
Not all Queenslanders were happy with the decision. The government received complaint letters from concerned citizens who feared that easy access to condoms would promote promiscuity.
AIDS the facts - informational flyer created by Queensland Health (1975-01-01/1975-12-31) by Department of HealthQueensland State Archives
Condom vending machines became completely legal when the new provisions in the Health Act commenced in April 1989. They remain an important method of protection against sexually transmitted infections.
