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Natalie Don MSP submission of 18 January 2022

PE1855/F: Pardon and memorialise those convicted under the Witchcraft Act 1563

As the committee, petitioners and the Government have recognised, the most straightforward way to pardon those accused and sentenced under the Witchcraft Act 1563 would be via legislation worded in a similar way to that of the Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) Act and draft Miners Bill.

Having been approached by the petitioners in regards to the possibility of submitting a Members’ Bill to achieve a pardon for those convicted under the Witchcraft Act 1563 I started the process with the Non-Government Bills Unit at the Scottish Parliament. I have also secured the support of my party Parliamentary colleagues to press forward with a Members’ Bill. 

I am at the draft proposal stage and therefore I am in the process of drafting the consultation. Once the consultation is live it will last for at least 12 weeks as per the Standing Orders. Following this, the draft proposals will be formally lodged. 

The legislation will not cover any public apology which may or may not be submitted by the First Minister or the Government. It would also not cover any national memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives. 

I would be extremely grateful for the support of the committee in principle in regards to my Members’ Bill, should the petitioners accept that the legislative pardon be pursued as a Members’ Bill rather than legislation from the committee. More information will be made available with the consultation which will hopefully be published shortly.