Women convicted of offences related to being gay can apply to have their convictions removed, under an expansion of the government’s pardon scheme.
In the beginning, only men and specific offences were covered by the Disregards and Pardons Scheme, which was introduced in England and Wales in 2012.
who was previously cautioned or Women convicted for same-sex activity may now apply.
However, one charity felt that pardons ought to be granted automatically. Women convicted
In 1967, there was a partial legalisation of homosexuality. Lesbians were occasionally punished for same-sex activity under indecency laws, despite not being explicitly forbidden in the same way as gay men.
Because of this, the government is unable to predict how many women will likely qualify, and each application will be evaluated individually.
The Home Office says that offences like “solicitation by men,” which essentially criminalised one man “chatting up” another, which are sometimes used to criminalise behaviour between gay men, will also be covered by the scheme.
However, pardons won’t be given unless certain requirements are met, like the fact that sexual activity is not currently a crime.
Only 208 people have successfully applied for a pardon since 2012, Home Office data shows. More than 400 people’s applications have been rejected because their convictions were not covered by the scheme.
The expansion, according to Jo Easton, CEO of Unlock, a charity for those with criminal histories, was “an important step.”
We firmly believe that individuals shouldn’t need to apply to have offences that are legitimately no longer felonies removed from their records, she said. Women convicted
Those who are approved will no longer be required to disclose their convictions in court or when applying for jobs, and their convictions will be removed from official records. Women convicted
Safeguarding Minister Sarah Dines hopes it will help “right the wrongs of the past”.
Those who may be eligible can apply online.
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