Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice has welcomed the Minister for Justice’s confirmation that he will bring forward legislation to disregard convictions for consensual same sex activity, before it was decriminalised in 1993.
Deputy Rice said:
“Last July, on behalf of the Social Democrats, I co-signed a joint opposition Bill to disregard these historic convictions. That Bill was also signed by Aengus Ó Snodaigh; Ged Nash; Paul Murphy; Roderic O’Gorman; and Catherine Connolly.
“It’s almost 33 years since homosexuality was decriminalised, but some men are still living with the negative impact of criminalisation.
“These arrests and convictions destroyed lives. Even the treat of prosecution had a hugely negative impact on people’s lives and could be used to harass and intimidate.
“The provision of public services, including HIV-AIDS prevention, were also damaged by these laws.
“The State must right the wrongs of the past – those convictions were a gross violation of gay and bi men’s human rights and did immeasurable damage.
“The Minister’s commitment to bring forward an amendment to the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill in March is long overdue and must be honoured. No further delays are acceptable – we are running out of time for some of these men.
“This announcement must also be a part of a suite of measures if we are to have true restorative justice for this community.”
January 21st, 2026