It is now time for the State to right the wrongs of the past
The government must urgently act to disregard historic convictions for consensual sexual activity between men, prior to decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1993, according to Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice.
“It is now 32 years since homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland – but some men are still living with the negative impact of convictions they received for consensual sexual activity before then.
“It is horrific now to think that gay and bisexual men faced criminal trials, and convictions, for engaging in physical relationships. These men were relentlessly targeted and vilified by the State for simply being who they were.
“Hundreds of these convictions were recorded between the 1920s and 1980s. The prosecution of gay and bi men was a gross violation of their human rights which did immeasurable damage.
“These laws had a hugely negative impact on people’s lives, because even the threat of prosecution could be used to harass and intimidate people. These archaic laws also meant the provision of public services, like HIV/AIDs supports, were severely limited.
“We have come a long way since those dark days, but the prejudicial stain of those wrongful convictions has yet to be washed away. The delay in dealing with this injustice is incomprehensible and shameful.
“In 2023, the government promised to introduce a statutory scheme which would lead to these convictions being disregarded. However, nothing has happened since then. It is now time for the State to right the wrongs of the past.
“Today, Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh is introducing a private members’ Bill which would lead to this issue finally being dealt with. The Social Democrats are happy to co-sign this Bill – and I would urge the government to act on it.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the tireless advocacy of a number of people on this issue, in particular Kieran Rose, Brian Sheehan and Karl Hayden for their work on the LGBT Restorative Justice campaign.”