Victoria says sorry to LGBTI community over past criminal convictions

People convicted of homosexual acts before it was decriminalised have received a formal apology from the state.

Premier Daniel Andrews said sorry on Tuesday on behalf of Victoria to all those who were unfairly labelled criminals before homosexuality was decriminalised in 1980.

Before that, men could be sentenced up to 15 years in jail for having consensual gay sex.

Dozens have spoken out about the shame they felt at having a criminal conviction hanging over their head.

In 2014, the parliament passed legislation enabling those affected to have their criminal record expunged.

Today, the LGBTI community received a formal apology during a special joint-sitting of the upper and lower houses of the Victorian parliament.