2112 signatures received.
The Campaign to Pardon Gays in Aotearoa
Campaign update
Last updated 27 September 2018
On 3 April 2018, the New Zealand House of Representatives voted unanimously to accept the Criminal Records (Expungement of Convictions for Historial Homosexual Offences) Bill at its Third Reading. This means there is now a legal basis for a process to expunge convictions for consensual historical homosexual acts. This follows the formal apology of the House of Representatives on 6 July 2017.

If you wish to apply to have your convictions expunged, or you wish to represent someone else in the expungement process, we suggest that you read the following resources published by the Ministry of Justice. The Campaign to Pardon Gays in Aotearoa is deeply grateful to all who have helped to reach this stage. Essentially, all requests by the Campaign have been granted by the Government; this means that the Campaign is likely at an end. However, we still welcome your contacting us.
Frequently Asked Questions Get in Touch News
Prior to 1986, the systematic persecution of gay men, using the machinary of the criminal justice system, resulted in hundreds of men being convicted for acts that are now legal in New Zealand. Even those who weren't convicted lived with the fear of being pubically disgraced and punished, just for being true to who they were.

2016 was the 30-year anniversary of the passage of the Homosexual Law Reform Act (1986) by the New Zealand House of Representatives. A brave and determined campaign ensured that this vital reform ended the institutionalised persecution of gay men. In years since, New Zealand attitudes toward rainbow communities have been utterly transformed towards a more inclusive society.

The Campaign to Pardon Gays in Aotearoa was formed to ask the Government of New Zealand to apologise for the past wrongs, and to create a process for expunging convictions for consensual historical homosexual acts; previously men convicted of homosexual acts still had those convictions on their criminal records.

Since the Campaign was started, Parliament has addressed the concerns raised by the Campaign. These positive actions by Parliament will impact postively on those who were convicted, their whaanau and friends, and the wider LGBT community.
Frequently Asked Questions Get in Touch News