France’s lower house has approved a bill compensating those convicted under anti-gay law from 1942 to 1982
Introduced during WWII, the law criminalized homosexuality, reversing legal status since 1791.
The bill aims to reimburse fines and compensate those imprisoned.
Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti apologized to those who suffered “unfair repression.”
The law persisted post-WWII, with about 10,000 convictions, mostly gay men, until 1982.
The unanimous lower house approval awaits Senate examination.
Estimates suggest 200 to 400 people may be eligible for compensation, though many affected are no longer alive or are elderly.
