Thursday marks the end of a long road for Queensland men found guilty of historic homosexuality offences, with their convictions finally officially expunged.
Consensual adult gay sex was a crime in Queensland until January 1991 when it was decriminalised by the Goss government, but convictions before that date have remained on criminal records.
For decades convictions have had to be disclosed when applying for a card to work with children, a visa to travel overseas or for government-related work such as a police officer.
The state government passed laws in October last year setting aside the convictions, however the changes were officially proclaimed on Thursday, making them official.
Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said the process was not automatic, and from June 30 Queenslanders convicted of such offences can apply to have them expunged.
"Once a conviction is expunged a person does not need to disclose the offence nor be discriminated against for non-disclosure in their employment or profession," she said.
"We know this doesn't make up for previous prejudice and discrimination, but it is an important step we can and will take to right these past wrongs."
