Scottish government urged to ensure pardons for gay and bisexual men apply north of border

The Scottish government has been urged to ensure that proposed pardons for gay and bisexual men convicted of now abolished sexual offences also apply to people in Scotland.

The UK government yesterday announced it would back an amendment to the Policing and Crime Bill which would posthumously pardon those convicted for having consensual same-sex relationships before the change in the law.

Men still alive will be eligible for a statutory pardon through the disregard process, clearing their name and criminal record.

However, the Scottish Liberal Democrats have warned that the bill largely concerns England and Wales and the Scottish government needed to “act quickly” to ensure these provisions applied in Scotland too.

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “These men did nothing wrong. It is absolutely right that their convictions under these outdated and discriminatory laws are pardoned.

“With the Policing and Crime Bill largely applying to England and Wales we need to ensure that men in Scotland can benefit from this change too.

“The Scottish Government needs to explore all options to ensure that this happens as a matter of urgency. Whether the best course of action is a legislative consent motion, fresh legislation or an amendment to another bill, we need to act quickly.

“I am sure they will have the support of the whole parliament if they do so.”