The UK government has taken a significant step towards justice by expanding its pardon scheme to include women who were convicted of offences related to being gay. Previously, the Disregards and Pardons Scheme, which was introduced in 2012, solely focused on men and specific offences. However, the recent expansion ensures that anyone, regardless of gender, who was convicted or cautioned under former laws regarding same-sex activity can now apply for their convictions to be removed.
While the partial decriminalization of homosexuality in 1967 was a milestone, it is essential to recognize that lesbian women were not explicitly targeted in the same manner as gay men. Nevertheless, they occasionally faced punishment under indecency laws for engaging in same-sex activity. As a result, it becomes challenging for the government to estimate the number of women who may be eligible for this pardon scheme. Consequently, applications will be examined on a case-by-case basis to ensure justice is served.
The expanded scheme also encompasses offences that were commonly employed to criminalize behavior between gay men. For example, the Home Office includes “solicitation by men,” a law that essentially made it a crime for one man to approach another with romantic or sexual intentions. However, it’s important to note that pardons will only be granted if the specific sexual activity in question is no longer considered an offence under current laws.
Despite the existence of the pardon scheme since 2012, the number of successful applications has been relatively low. Home Office data reveals that only 208 individuals have received a pardon to date. On the other hand, more than 400 applications have been rejected because the convictions did not fall within the scope of the scheme. This highlights the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to address historical injustices.
Unlock, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with criminal records, welcomes the expansion of the scheme as an important step towards justice. However, they advocate for automatic pardons, emphasizing that individuals should not have to go through the process of applying to have their records cleared for actions that are no longer considered offences.
Upon a successful application, individuals will have their convictions erased from official records. This pivotal change means they will no longer be required to disclose these convictions during court proceedings or when applying for jobs. This not only promotes fairness and equality but also enables individuals to move forward without the burden of past unjust convictions affecting their lives.
Safeguarding Minister Sarah Dines expresses hope that the expanded pardon scheme will help right the wrongs of the past, acknowledging the importance of rectifying historical injustices and ensuring equal treatment under the law for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
