Government urged to act to ensure pardons for gay men
Scots who were convicted under laws which criminalised homosexuality should be pardoned, opposition parties have said.
Scots who were convicted under laws which criminalised homosexuality should be pardoned, opposition parties have said.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats have called on the Scottish Government to explore legal options to quash the convictions and cautions issued to people for now-abolished gay sexual offences and issue pardons.
The UK Government has announced that gay and bisexual men convicted of such offences in England and Wales are to receive posthumous pardons.
Thousands of men still alive will also become eligible for pardons through the "disregard process", clearing their name and criminal record.
A private member's Bill, dubbed the Turing law, proposing automatic pardons fell in the House of Commons on Friday.
In 2013, the famous Second World War code-breaker Alan Turing was pardoned for gross indecency.
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: "I very much welcome the news that gay and bisexual men convicted in England and Wales are to receive posthumous pardons, and that thousands of men who are still alive will become eligible for a pardon.
"I also congratulate (SNP MP) John Nicolson on his attempt to introduce automatic pardons.
"Such steps have been a long time coming. Alan Turing is a British hero who deserves to be remembered for what he did for our country, not remembered because of his sexuality.
"The same is true for the countless other men who contributed to our society, and I hope the new measures will bring comfort to many families.
"But, sadly, Scotland trails behind England and Wales when it comes to righting this wrong.
"I urge the Scottish Government to explore every option to ensure that men in Scotland can receive pardons. The SNP will have the full support of Scottish Labour in this objective."
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "The Scottish Government needs to explore all options to ensure that this happens as a matter of urgency.
"Whether the best course of action is a legislative consent motion, fresh legislation or an amendment to another Bill, we need to act quickly. I am sure they will have the support of the whole parliament if they do so."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We will consider carefully whether similar legislation could be brought forward in Scotland."