Paul Foster-Bell MP

National List MP based in Wellington Central

Media statement

9 February 2017

Foster-Bell welcomes wiping of gay convictions

National List MP based in Wellington Central Paul Foster-Bell welcomed the Justice Minister’s announcement today that historic sexual convictions for consenting adults will be wiped upon application.

‘I grew up in a time when our LGBTI community was actively persecuted in this country. So I applaud this very practical step which will help a number of gay New Zealanders who suffered criminalisation because of their sexuality,’ said Mr Foster-Bell.

As the National Party representative on the Cross-Party Rainbow Group, Mr Foster-Bell was a vocal critic of Brian Tamaki’s homophobic comments late last year.

‘For younger members of today’s rainbow community, being treated like a criminal just because of your sexuality is almost unimaginable. But that was the reality people faced prior to 1986. It is a very positive development that this Government is taking this complex issue seriously.’

ENDS

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