27 minutes | Tuesday, 15 October 2019
Potentially as early as next year, Tynwald could pass a law which would see a pardoning to those who were convicted for homosexual offences prior to decriminalisation in 1992.
This programme contains strong language and explores themes which some listeners may find upsetting from the start.
Ahead of this change, journalist Aaron Ibanez has put together a two-part documentary for Island Life looking at a time on the Isle of Man where gays faced life imprisonment. A number of men who were arrested in the early 90s have come forward for the first time, and have told of their experiences at the hands of the police who they say, were responsible for the suicides of what is believed to have been three men.
'Pride and Pardoning' features the likes of Alan Shea, the gay rights activist, former police officer and MLC Dudley Butt, as well MHKs Hazel Hannan, Peter Karran and former Chief Minister Allan Bell who were instrumental in law reform.