LONDON — The United Kingdom is expanding an amnesty program to overturn convictions for gay and lesbian activity that previously was outlawed. Starting Tuesday, women in England and Wales can apply to have outdated criminal convictions related to homosexuality expunged from their records. Until now, only men could apply for pardons from convictions under old sodomy laws that date back to the 19th century.
This is a broadening of a U.K. amnesty program that also covers military veterans. LGBTQ+ people were banned from, and in some cased kicked out of, the armed forces until the year 2000. Now military veterans can also apply for convictions to be overturned. Under the expanded program, women who were dismissed from the British armed forces because of their sexuality will be able to have their medals restored.
