A law change to expunge historical homosexuality convictions will not go as far as compensating the men who were prosecuted.
People march in Wellington in support of gay rights and homosexual law reform on 25 May 1985. Photo: Evening Post / The Dominion Post Collection / Alexander Turnbull Library
The justice select committee has supported the bill to clear those men who were convicted for consensual sex, prior to homosexual law reform in 1986.
But the committee's report said compensation goes beyond the purpose of the bill.
Several submitters considered men should be compensated for the harm they suffered, but others disagreed, the committee said.
However, nothing in the legislation prevented a person being entitled to compensation.
Last year the now former Justice Minister Amy Adams said the tremendous hurt and stigma suffered by men who were convicted could never be undone, but she hoped the bill would go someway towards addressing that.
But a gay rights campaigner said while expunging men's convictions would make a real difference, some compensation should also be awarded.
Bill Logan said even $1000 would make things a little easier for those whose lives were shattered by their convictions.
