Audio from the first reading of the Criminal Records (Expungement of Convictions for Historical Homosexual Offences) Bill. It was introduced into Parliament by Justice Minister Amy Adams on 6 July 2017. It is the first expungement scheme to be created in New Zealand. The Bill unanimously passed its first reading. The recording also includes a Parliamentary apology read by Amy Adams.
Summary
The New Zealand Parliament held a first reading of the Criminal Records (Expungement of Convictions for Historical Homosexual Offences) Bill on July 6, 2017. This step marked a poignant moment in the nation's history, signifying an effort to reconcile past injustices perpetrated against the LGBTQ+ community.
The bill aimed to establish a process by which individuals convicted of consensual adult same-sex activities prior to the decriminalization of homosexuality could have their convictions expunged. The historic legislation was poised to acknowledge the enduring effects these criminal records have had on the lives and dignity of affected individuals.
On the same day, the members of the House moved to formally apologize to the gay community for the suffering caused by the convictions, a symbolic and significant gesture to express deep regret over the state-sanctioned discrimination that criminalized consensual relationships between adult men.
This legislative move further built on New Zealand's commitment to fairness, diversity, and freedom, as exemplified by the prior legalization of same-sex marriage. Addressing the harm of the past and righting this wrongful criminalization were essential steps for the government to demonstrate a proactive approach to acknowledging and amending historic wrongs.
Under the proposed expungement scheme, individuals or, in the case of deceased persons, their representatives could apply for the removal of these convictions from their records, thus nullifying the associated stigma and legal ramifications. Importantly, the expungement would apply only to those historical offenses that would not be considered criminal under current laws, protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Parliamentarians across party lines and different generations expressed support for the bill and the apology, sharing harrowing personal stories and historical accounts. They recognized the harmful effects of these convictions, including forced outings, loss of jobs and relationships, and the profound mental health repercussions such as depression and suicidality.
Speakers also emphasized the need for ongoing inclusivity and acceptance, not just tolerance, of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities within society.
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