Germany anti-gay law: Plan to rehabilitate convicted men

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Germany is set to annul the convictions of gay men under a law criminalising homosexuality that was applied zealously in post-war Germany.

Justice Minister Heiko Maas is to overturn the convictions and create a "right to compensation".

About 50,000 men were convicted between 1946 and 1969, under a 19th Century law that the Nazis had sharpened.

Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1969, but the law continued to exist until 1994.

'Open wound'

For those with past convictions for being gay, the decision has been a long time coming.

In 2002, the government decided to overturn any convictions made during the Nazi period, but this did not include men convicted after the war.

Now a study commissioned by the Federal Anti-discrimination Agency has found the government is legally obliged to rehabilitate the men.

The author, professor Martin Burgi, says all convictions must be overturned, and suggest compensation should be offered for educational projects.

The head of the Anti-discrimination Agency says she is happy with the results. Christine Luders says that the "open wound in the rule of law" will need to be healed.

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Image captionAnti-homophobia rally in Berlin: The Irish vote stirred up Germany's gay marriage debate

Germany has allowed civil partnerships since 2001, and gay couples have the same tax status and adoption rights as married couples.

Pressure is growing on the government to allow gay marriage, particularly after Ireland adopted it last year.