A LOCAL MSP has expressed his joy at the passing of a historic bill at the Scottish Parliament.

The Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) (Scotland) Act 2018 was unanimously passed last Wednesday and will allow men convicted for having consensual, same-sex relationships to apply for a pardon or a disregard of this offence. Despite the fact it is now legal, there are men in Scotland with criminal records for having same-sex relationships up until as late as 2001.

Until 2001, gross indecency was used as a means to prosecute homosexual men and over 50 000 people were convicted. Under this law, some homosexual men were given jail time and criminal records for holding hands, kissing and, in some cases, talking in public.

Conservative West Region MSP, Jamie Greene, expressed his support for the bill which passed into law and used it as a reminder that we should continue to promote LBGT equality. He spoke in the Stage 3 debate in Holyrood.

He said: “As we enter pride month, I think we should all reflect on what this bill says about our society.

“The Bill passed in Parliament this week is an important step towards righting the wrongs of the past and trying to reconcile the years of hardship that LGBT people have had to face in this country, and are continuing to face on a daily basis.

“I know that it is impossible to turn back time, but I hope that these pardons will help those who were wrongfully convicted find some solace in the fact that society now recognises this.

“So many men across Scotland will have been plagued by a criminal record which will have affected so many aspects of their daily life. I encourage anyone eligible to apply for a disregard once its available.

“We still have a lot to do to promote LGBT equality in Scotland. As the Convenor of the Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on LGBTI+ rights I will continue to fight for LGBT equality. If anyone has an issue or question they’d like to raise with me I’d encourage you to email me at jamie.greene.msp@parliament.scot.”