��ѿ��ý

Available for over a year

Thousands of gay and bisexual men convicted of now abolished sexual offences have been posthumously pardoned. The pardons, which affect 49,000 men across England and Wales, were announced last year but have now been issued. However, another 15 thousand who are still living will have to apply individually to have their convictions removed. Stephen Close joined the army in 1980, but was sentenced to six months in military prison after he was caught kissing another soldier - as being gay in the army was still illegal. He told 5 live’s Anna Foster: “We had to undergo a humiliating medical examination. We were made to feel disgraced, disgusted, perverted and unhuman.” This clip is originally from 5 live Drive on 31 January 2017.