Homosexual Charge Against Ned Kelly Enrages Home... (Press, 10 August 1966)
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Summary: Homosexual Charge Against Ned Kelly Enrages Home... (Press, 10 August 1966)
On 9 August 1966, a controversy erupted in Jerilderie, Australia, following claims made by New Zealand-born author Sidney J. Baker that infamous bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang were homosexuals. Baker's assertions, to be published in his upcoming book "The Australian Language," have sparked significant outrage in the town that holds Kelly in high esteem. Baker stated he found compelling evidence to support his claims, asserting that the gang was not composed of classic masculine heroes but rather a group that engaged in effeminate behaviour including wearing women's clothing, using perfume, and dancing with other men. Residents of Jerilderie, where the Kelly Gang famously held up the bank in 1878, expressed their disbelief and anger at Baker's characterisation of their local hero. The town’s shire council plans to discuss the matter at their next meeting, and local publican Mr "Chicka" Cully has called for the book to be banned, labelling the allegations as absurd. Baker, who began his research into the Kelly legend while exploring Australian idioms related to Kelly’s notoriety, claims that none of the gang members showed interest in women and once ransacked a cart for perfume. Jerilderie has historically honoured Kelly, incorporating his likeness into the shire’s coat of arms. The local secretary for the Returned Services League expressed outrage over Baker's comments, emphasising Kelly's status as a local icon, while other residents echoed similar sentiments, asserting pride in their connection to him. Baker, meanwhile, articulated that his findings were true based on extensive research, but this has done little to quell the strong local allegiance to Kelly. The discussion over Kelly's legacy and Baker’s claims is set to continue amid the growing controversy in the town.
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