Menu
28/06/2018
Abolished Homosexual Offence Convictions To Be 'Disregarded And Pardoned'
Convictions for abolished homosexual offences are to be "disregarded and pardoned" following a change to Northern Irish law, the Department of Justice has announced.
The new law, agreed by the Assembly in November 2016, facilitates the removal of convictions for such offences from police and court records.
Convictions that are disregarded will be considered as never having happened and will no longer appear on criminal records or in any criminal record checks.
It also means that there is no requirement to disclose the abolished offence, for example on job application forms or in court cases.
To have historic convictions disregarded, an application must be made to the Department of Justice. If an application is successful the person is also, by law, pardoned for the offence.
Anyone who was convicted of an abolished homosexual offence and who has since died is also, by law, pardoned for the offence.
The provisions ensure that only offences which are no longer an offence today, and which involved consensual activity with someone over the age of 17, are eligible to be disregarded or pardoned.
The change to the law comes as Arlene Foster, the leader of the DUP, is due to attend an LGBT summit at Stormont.
(MH/LM)
The new law, agreed by the Assembly in November 2016, facilitates the removal of convictions for such offences from police and court records.
Convictions that are disregarded will be considered as never having happened and will no longer appear on criminal records or in any criminal record checks.
It also means that there is no requirement to disclose the abolished offence, for example on job application forms or in court cases.
To have historic convictions disregarded, an application must be made to the Department of Justice. If an application is successful the person is also, by law, pardoned for the offence.
Anyone who was convicted of an abolished homosexual offence and who has since died is also, by law, pardoned for the offence.
The provisions ensure that only offences which are no longer an offence today, and which involved consensual activity with someone over the age of 17, are eligible to be disregarded or pardoned.
The change to the law comes as Arlene Foster, the leader of the DUP, is due to attend an LGBT summit at Stormont.
(MH/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 September 2023
New Anonymity Laws For Sexual Offences Cases Come Into Effect
A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
New Anonymity Laws For Sexual Offences Cases Come Into Effect
A number of new laws to to safeguard the privacy and anonymity of the victims and suspects in sexual offence cases have come into effect today, 28 September. Announced by the Department of Justice, the new laws implement recommendations made by Sir John Gillen in his Review into the law and procedures in serious sexual offences.
16 February 2022
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
13 May 2004
Report reveals fall in recorded crimes
Recorded crime in Northern Ireland has fallen over past last year, according to official statistics from the PSNI. The figures, for the period 1st April 2003 to 31st March 2004, recorded a total of 127,953 offences, a decrease of 14,543 on the previous year.
Report reveals fall in recorded crimes
Recorded crime in Northern Ireland has fallen over past last year, according to official statistics from the PSNI. The figures, for the period 1st April 2003 to 31st March 2004, recorded a total of 127,953 offences, a decrease of 14,543 on the previous year.
15 October 2003
Minister announces review of sex offence laws
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar today announced plans for a review of sex offence laws in Northern Ireland. In a written ministerial statement read out in Parliament, Mr Spellar said the review followed on from proposed changes to the law on sex offences in England and Wales.
Minister announces review of sex offence laws
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar today announced plans for a review of sex offence laws in Northern Ireland. In a written ministerial statement read out in Parliament, Mr Spellar said the review followed on from proposed changes to the law on sex offences in England and Wales.
06 May 2021
Human Rights Commission Challenges Law On Offenders Rehabilitation In NI
The Human Rights Commission is challenging the current law on the rehabilitation of offenders in Northern Ireland. The current law prevents any convictions of more than 30 months in prison from ever becoming spent. The full hearing will be heard remotely at 10.30am on 6 May in the Judicial Review Court, Belfast.
Human Rights Commission Challenges Law On Offenders Rehabilitation In NI
The Human Rights Commission is challenging the current law on the rehabilitation of offenders in Northern Ireland. The current law prevents any convictions of more than 30 months in prison from ever becoming spent. The full hearing will be heard remotely at 10.30am on 6 May in the Judicial Review Court, Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
