93-year-old Australian feminist Merle Thornton, known for her 1965 protest action that led to Queensland pubs allowing women, passed away.

93-year-old Merle Thornton, a renowned Australian feminist and Brisbane resident, passed away on 16 August. Known for chaining herself to a bar in 1965 to protest against gender-based refusal of service, her act led to opening pubs to women across Queensland by 1970. Thornton, an academic and author, was honored with an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Queensland, which also recognized her legacy with 'Merle's Pledge' to increase gender visibility in the corporate world.

August 21, 2024
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