Liberals table bill to expunge gay sex convictions, part of LGBTQ apology
OTTAWA — The federal Liberal government has introduced legislation that would allow people to apply to have their criminal convictions for consensual sexual activity between same-sex partners erased from the public record.
The Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act would provide for the destruction and removal of records for the offences of gross indecency, buggery and anal intercourse.
In effect, it would mean the person is “deemed never to have been convicted” of the offence, says the bill introduced Tuesday by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.
The measure is a key element of the government’s bid to make amends to people who have suffered discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.