The Department of Justice has launched a public consultation that will feed into the development of a scheme to disregard historic convictions related to consensual sexual activity between men.

Individuals and representative organisations are being asked for their views on a number of key issues.

A working group is currently examining the development of a scheme of disregard convictions for consensual sexual activity between men, prior to decriminalisation in 1993.

‘Lingering harms’

The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee (pictured) said that the Government wanted to ensure that any potential scheme was as effective and accessible as possible, “so that we can exonerate those impacted by these outdated laws, and address some of the lingering harms of the past”.

She encouraged any of the affected men, their families, loved ones, and the wider LGBTQ+ community to engage with the consultation.

The consultation survey will consist of seven questions, based on issues identified by the working group.

The survey will ask how a potential scheme could be made more accessible, how to encourage participation in the scheme, and how to minimise potential for re-traumatising applicants.

Key themes

The deadline for completion of the survey is 5pm on Friday 9 December 2022.

After the consultation closes, the working group will prepare a summary report that will give an overview of the submissions received, identifying key themes that will inform its final recommendations.

“The damage that was caused by these laws continues to impact negatively on too many people’s lives,” said the minister.

“While we cannot undo the hurt inflicted on people who were discriminated against for simply being themselves, we can contribute to the healing process,” she added.