UK:Thousands of Men with Gay Convictions Can Now Be Sponged

Thousands of men with historic convictions for consensual gay sex will be able to apply to have these records deleted from October, as the Home Office begins to correct an anomaly in the criminal records system.

Until now, people wishing to work in roles that require background checks, including volunteering, have been discouraged for fear of having to disclose offences that were decriminalised in 1967.

The change was made in the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, which received royal assent on 1 May.

The Home Office will work with HM Courts and Tribunals Service and the Association of Chief Police Officers to run the application process.

Each case will be considered by caseworkers, with the home secretary making the final decision. Successful applicants will have their records updated so the offence will no longer appear on a criminal records certificate or be referred to in any future court proceedings.

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