Lynne Featherstone Rex Images UK
By Mark Singer (Washington DC) DEC 26 | A leading British newspaper, The Telegraph, reported yesterday that UK Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone, is set to introduce a measure in Parliament that would effectively erase convictions of sexual offenses committed by Gay men having consensual sex with other Gay men over the age of 16 that occurred when those sexual acts were criminalized.Patrick Hennessy, Political Editor of The Telegraph wrote:
The move will benefit thousands of men who were prosecuted for gay sex with someone over 16 during decades when the practice was against the law.
Consensual sex between two men over 21 was decriminalised in 1967. It was not until 1994 that the homosexual age of consent was reduced to 18, and 2000 when it was finally brought into line with the law for heterosexuals by being cut to 16.
Currently, they must disclose the information as part of the programme of Criminal Records Bureau checks if they apply to work or volunteer for charities and other organisations. Getting such a conviction expunged currently requires a lengthy process involving a personal application to a local chief constable.
During a conference earlier this month Featherstone told MPs earlier this month it was "unfair" and "unjust" that men should still fear being exposed for an act which has "long not been illegal".
She added:
"Such men will never again have to disclose that information. I hope very much that those gay men whom that has inhibited from volunteering will now find that inhibition removed."
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2 comments:
Wow. I can't even express how thoughtful, not to mention beneficial, that change will be. It is the only 'right thing' to do, but when has that ever been a reason for a government to do something.
The change should have been enacted much sooner than this. The government should also issue a statement of apology for the persecution that the convictions inflicted on LGBT people throughout history.
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