Minister hopes move will repair 'pain and hurt' caused by historical laws
It's hoped pardoning those convicted of historical homosexual offences will repair some of 'pain and hurt' caused by previous laws.
The Department of Home Affairs has announced today that people who were cautioned or convicted before homosexuality was decriminalised 30 years ago will automatically receive a pardon from today (29 June).
It's thought this will apply to around 30 people.
Meanwhile the disregard process, which removes these convictions from an individual's criminal record, is expected to take around 12 weeks.
Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson says it's a big step:
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