The British Home Office has announced that it is to extend a scheme to pardon historic convictions for homosexual activity in the UK to women. This means that anyone who was convicted or cautioned for consensual same-sex activity above the age of consent can apply to have it removed from their record.
The pardon scheme has been in place in the UK since 2012, but so far, it has only applied to men who were convicted of offences relating to ‘gross indecency’ or ‘buggery’.
The new provisions will now apply to anyone convicted under any repealed or abolished offence, including more armed forces veterans.
This has also been extended to those who were convicted or cautioned with ‘solicitation by men’ – an act that would otherwise be considered flirting when applied to interactions with someone of the opposite sex.
LGBT Foundation’s Deputy Chief Executive Rob Cookson described the criminalisation of queer men as having “a huge, terrible impact on many people in our community”. He also said, “It is only right that the disregards and pardons scheme has been widened.”
After working in the Lords for 7 years with Lord Lexden, Professor Paul Johnson the govt have announced the widening of the pardons and the disregard for historical homosexual offences.
We made the law change in 2017, then 2022. We made the final push! https://t.co/nGCIMt6K7V— Michael Cashman ???️⚧️?️??????? (@mcashmanCBE) June 13, 2023
Speaking about the historic laws, the Minister for Safeguarding, Sarah Dines, said, “The appalling criminalisation of homosexuality is a shameful and yet not so distant part of our history.
“Although they can never be undone, the disregards and pardons scheme has gone some way to right the wrongs of the past.”
She continued, “I am proud that from today the scheme has been significantly widened to include more repealed offences.
“I invite all of those who were convicted or cautioned for same-sex sexual activity under an abolished offence to come forward and apply.”
Whilst the widening of the scheme is a welcomed advancement, it should be noted that pardons will only be granted if they meet certain criteria, including that the conviction is not for an offence which is still on the statute books.
According to Home Office figures, out of more than 400 applicants, only 208 have been successful since the scheme’s introduction.
Currently, there is no similar scheme in Ireland, however, a consultation process to introduce a disregard process is underway.
You can find out more about applying for a pardon in the UK under the scheme here.
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