Justice Minister Amy Adams yesterday announced the Government’s intention to provide a mechanism for those who were convicted under anti-homosexual laws, which were repealed with the Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986, to have those convictions quashed.
OUSA queer support co-ordinator Hahna Briggs said she was pleased by the Government’s announcement.
"It will go a long way to heal some of those wounds and finally be recognised for being a living human being that has feelings and wants to live a free and open life," she said.
While the 1986 reforms decriminalised consensual male homosexuality, convictions entered previously under the archaic laws remained on the men’s criminal records.
"Although we can never fully undo the impact on the lives of those affected, this new scheme will provide a pathway for their convictions to be expunged,’’ Ms Adams said.
"It means people will be treated as if they had never been convicted, and removes the ongoing stigma and prejudice that can arise from convictions for homosexual offences.
"I acknowledge the pain that these New Zealanders have lived with and hope that this will go some way towards addressing that."
People convicted of indecency between males, sodomy or keeping a place of resort for homosexual acts would be able to apply to the secretary of justice to have the convictions expunged and their records cleared.
The Government estimated there were about 1000 people who might be eligible.
The scheme was expected to begin in 2018 following the necessary law changes and people could apply on behalf of deceased family members to posthumously quash their convictions.
However, the Government ruled out offering compensation.
"It’s something that can have a really positive impact on a lot of people’s lives," Ms Briggs said.
"Thirty years is a long time [to wait for the convictions to be quashed], but at the end of the day it’s better late than never."
Labour’s justice spokeswoman Jacinda Ardern said Labour welcomed the move.
"The Government has chosen not to adopt a blanket approach but has decided to proceed on a case-by-case basis with those affected needing to apply," she said.
"On balance, this is a hugely positive move that rights some terrible wrongs in our past. It’s heartening that families will now be able to lodge applications to expunge convictions on behalf of deceased family members."
