Gay and bisexual men will see their past convictions linked to consensual same-sex activity set aside under a fresh Government initiative.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan obtained approval from the Government for changes to the Bill, allowing the disregard of specific historical convictions tied to consensual same-sex activity, in line with the commitment outlined in the Programme for Government, reports Breaking News.
The Department of Justice explained that the process will function as an application-driven scheme.
Minister O’Callaghan stated: “The Victorian-era laws that criminalised consensual sexual activity between men are now rightly recognised as a historical injustice, reports Breaking News.
“I am extremely pleased that the Government has agreed to my proposals for a statutory disregard scheme which seeks to acknowledge this injustice and to address meaningfully some of the harm caused to affected gay men, as well as their families and friends, during the period of criminalisation.”
The Labour Party expressed warm welcome for the Government’s announcement on Wednesday, describing the move as a “historic leap forward in addressing one of the most profound injustices experienced by LGBTQ+ people in Ireland”, reports Breaking News.
Speaking for Labour LGBTQ+, Joshua Ellul commented: “Today’s decision is a powerful affirmation of Ireland’s commitment to equality and restorative justice. The Labour Party has stood with LGBTQ+ people through every step of this journey, and we are proud that decades of advocacy, legislative leadership, and principled politics have brought us to this moment. A disregard scheme will offer dignity, recognition, and practical justice to those who suffered under laws that should never have existed,” reports Breaking News.
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