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.
13 March 2024
Assembly Agrees Support For Miscarriage Leave In NI
The Assembly has agreed to support the extension of miscarriage leave for workers in NI. DUP Economy Spokesperson, Phillip Brett, brought an amendment to a Sinn Féin motion, which was agreed by the Assembly on Tuesday, 12 March.
Assembly Agrees Support For Miscarriage Leave In NI
The Assembly has agreed to support the extension of miscarriage leave for workers in NI. DUP Economy Spokesperson, Phillip Brett, brought an amendment to a Sinn Féin motion, which was agreed by the Assembly on Tuesday, 12 March.
05 March 2024
Justice Minister Condemns Attacks On Police Officers
NI Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has condemned attacks on police officers, after it was revealed that on average 8 officers are assaulted every day while on duty. Minister Long said: "Attacks on police officers, indeed attacks on any public servant are totally unacceptable.
Justice Minister Condemns Attacks On Police Officers
NI Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has condemned attacks on police officers, after it was revealed that on average 8 officers are assaulted every day while on duty. Minister Long said: "Attacks on police officers, indeed attacks on any public servant are totally unacceptable.
26 March 2024
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
Hotel Shampoo Ban Claim 'Inaccurate And Incomplete' – DUP
The DUP has claimed news that hotel shampoo bottles are to be banned in Northern Ireland is "inaccurate and misrepresents the situation".
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.