Gay men can erase historic convictions

Gay men prosecuted under outdated laws can apply to have their convictions erased as new legislation comes into force in Scotland.

Men who were convicted for engaging in sexual acts with another man during a “dark piece of Scotland’s history” will from today receive automatic pardons and are able to have their criminal records scratched from the records.

The Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) Act – passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament in June 2018 – is now in force, meaning people criminalised for bisexual or homosexual relationships that are now legal will be pardoned. Those who have historic convictions can apply to have it “disregarded”.

Welcoming the introduction of the “landmark legislation”, Scotland’s Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “There is no place for homophobia, ignorance and hatred in modern Scotland.

“We have been working closely with Police Scotland and other partners to ensure the ‘disregard’ scheme is clear and effective and has appropriate safeguards in place.

“This legislation makes good on the commitments made by the First Minister, who gave an unqualified apology for the now outdated and discriminatory laws, and for the harm they caused to many.”

Same-sex sexual activity between men was made legal in Scotland in 1980 and the age of consent was equalised with those for heterosexual relationships in 2001.