New Zealand MPs apologise for 'hurt and stigma' of gay sex convictions

New Zealand politicians have unanimously apologised for the "tremendous hurt and suffering" of hundreds of men who were convicted of homosexuality during the years it was treated as a crime.

Parliament took the rare step of issuing a formal apology to all those unfairly convicted under the antiquated laws.

MPs also approved the first stage of a Bill that will allow the men to have their criminal records wiped clean, legislation that comes four years after the South Pacific nation legalised same-sex marriage.

The measures were passed with unanimous approval among politicians from various parties.

"Today we are putting on the record that this House deeply regrets the hurt and stigma suffered by the many hundreds of New Zealand men who were turned into criminals by a law that was profoundly wrong, and for that we are sorry," said Justice Minister Amy Adams.

She said it was unimaginable today that consensual sex between adults would be considered criminal.

"It is never too late to apologise," Ms Adams told MPs. "While we cannot ever erase the injustice, this apology is a symbolic but important act that we hope will help address the harm and right this historic wrong."

The government estimates about 1,000 men will be eligible to have their convictions quashed. Most were prosecuted after 1965 and before 1986, when New Zealand decriminalised homosexuality. They were convicted of crimes such as indecency, sodomy and providing a place for homosexual acts.

Those with convictions will need to apply to have their cases assessed because the law did not distinguish between consensual and non-consensual gay sex, Ms Adams said.

Sex between women was never explicitly illegal under New Zealand law.

Opposition politician Grant Robertson quoted a man who was forced to resign from the army because of his sexuality.

"This conviction still leads, after 53 years, to self-hatred, worthlessness, unjustified guilt and shame," the unnamed man said, according to Mr Robertson. He said the law change would allow the man to feel some dignity in his final years.

Mr Robertson, who is openly gay, said he stood on the shoulders of those who had been convicted.

"The fact that I, as a gay man, can be out and proud and a member of parliament is but a small tribute to you," he said.

Ms Adams has said the convicted men will not receive any compensation, although Mr Robertson said that should be reconsidered.

AP