On November 9 (see below) Alistair Lexden introduced amendments to a Bill under discussion in the Lords to extend to Northern Ireland a scheme for England and Wales under which homosexual men can secure official pardons for convictions under cruel and discriminatory laws that have now been abolished. On December 12 he reintroduced the amendments in revised form with the government’s support.
They will shortly become law. In some other respects—most notably same-sex marriage—Northern Ireland has yet to achieve equality with England and Wales, but as regards pardons for abolished offences equal rights have now been secured.
Follow the link to read the speeches made by Alistair Lexden and others in the Lords debate: Hansard