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Scotland prides itself on being one of the most progressive countries in Europe on issues of sexuality and gender identity but for gay men it was not always such an open-minded place.

Homosexuality among men was illegal in Scotland until the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act in 1980, which came into force in February 1981.

Same-sex contact between women had never been targeted in law and was not illegal. Scottish society just chose to believe lassies did not do that kind of thing.

When the Sexual Offences Act was granted royal assent on 27 July 1967 it applied to England and Wales only, Scotland, along with Northern Ireland, was excluded.

England and Wales can now mark 50 years since the historic reforms which partially decriminalised homosexuality between two consenting men in private over 21 years of age.

But Scotland took 13 years to adopt the same legislation into Scots Law.

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The BBC reported the Scottish government's intention to bring forward this Bill back in August 2017.

Gay men who were convicted of same-sex offences in Scotland before laws against homosexuality were dropped are to receive full pardons.

If approved in parliament, men still living will also be able to apply for a "disregard" to remove convictions from their record.

This would need to applied for, in order to check that offences are not ones which are still illegal such as non-consensual sex and sex with someone under 16.

However, the Bill will not require anyone to apply for a pardon.

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SNP MSP Christina McKelvie says: "What we do today is the right and proper thing."

Ms McKelvie wonders what Alan Turing would say today.

She says the parliament has the humility to say "we were wrong" and to fix it today.

Ms McKelvie says: "Today we right this wrong, today presiding officer we vote with pride."

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton says it is important to look back on the darker days.

He welcomes the creation of a scheme for posthumous recognition that the historic laws were wrong.

The Lib Dem MSP praises the Scottish government for bringing forward this Bill.

He also thanks those men who came forward to give evidence on the Bill during the committee stages.

I will be able to tell my grandchildren that I served in the parliament that struck down one the last remnants of a more prejudiced era and sought atonement for the harm it had done, he concludes.

SNP MSP John Mason intervenes, asking if Mr Harvie accepts tolerance is an important virtue and would he accept people of many traditional faiths and for other reasons believe it is wrong for people of the same sex to have a sexual relationship with someone else.

"That is a genuinely held belief by a range of people."

He says some people believe it is only within marriage that people should have sexual relationships.

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Mr Harvie: "I do acknowledge homophobia exists in religious context, just as a commitment to equality also exists within a religious context."

The question is one of consistency he says, citing the condemnation racist or sectarian candidates would receive, as should homophobic, biphobic or transphobic candidates.

Our communities have the right to see political parties take the issue seriously and at least begin to address it.

He asks whether any MSP has ever faced consequences for opposing LGBTI or human rights.

Mr Harvie says shortly after the general principles of the he received an email from constituent concerned about the views of an MSP.

He quotes an email from SNP MSP John Mason which said he was "not really sure" about applying retrospective pardons and apologies for historical laws.

Mr Harvie expresses anger at the "flippant tone" and the lack of understanding of the Bill.

Many of the people whose lives were subject to harm are living still and they do not deserve to be dismissed, the Scottish Green co-convener states.

Mr Harvie says he does not believe Mr Mason is the only member to hold these views.

He urges them to "have the nerve to vote against this Bill" tonight to their constituents can see where they really stand.

Scottish Green Party co-convener Patrick Harvie begins his speech saying there is a lot to celebrate in the passing of this Bill.

It will not erase history, nor the hurt caused by the state, but it will provide comfort, he states.

He pays warm tribute to Equality Network's Tim Hopkins.

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Mr Johnson says careers have been hindered and individuals have been prevented from participating in their communities.

He welcomes the automatic pardon.

Men who were unjustly criminalised did nothing wrong and are guilty of nothing, Mr Johnson emphasises.

"The only guilt and the only apology is on behalf of the state."

Turning to posthumous pardons, the Labour MSP urges the minister to outline what progress will be made on this and when the scheme will be put in place.

He also insists the awareness of the disregard programme is vital and asks for detail on this.

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Labour MSP Daniel Johnson commends all those involved in drafting the Bill.

Mr Johnson says the legislation marks the progress that has been made on equalities in Scotland.

He tells the chamber it gives MSP the opportunity to reflect on the progress made, the need to reseist complacency and to reflect on the purpose and effect legislation can have outside.

The Labour MSP says in passing this Bill today we have to acknowledge how slow ins some ways progress has been.

We have to ensure Scotland leads the world in equality for all and righting historial injustices, he says.

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Ms Wells says we cannot assume information around the disregard process will reach the public.

She suggests those living in remote and rural areas and those withoutt links with LGBTI+ groups must be made aware.

The Tory MSP also urges the process to be "simple, transparent and capable of being easily understood".

We still have a long way to go on LGBT equality, highlights Ms Wells, pointing to the high number of young people who have been bullied or experienced hate crime.

Gay relationships remain illegal in 72 countries around the world, she says.

"We cannot undo the wrongs of the past" but "we can continue the journey to true LGBTI equality", the member concludes.

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Tory MSP Annie Wells says the Bill has had unanimous support in the parliament since day one.

Ms Wells said hearing two anonymous witnesses telling of their experiences drove home how important this Bill is.

She says during evidence sessions it was quite clear that what victims widely sought, more than anything, was the symbolic acknowledgement that the laws themselves were discriminatory.

Ms Wells cites the personal testimony of the two witnesses who highlighted the "lingering impact discriminatory laws could have on someone's life, despite the laws having been repealed".

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Mr Matheson says historical laws deterred people from being honest about their identity to family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.

He adds: "These laws sent a horrific message that homosexuality was wrong and so they encouraged rather than deterred homophobia and hate."

The minister however warns that "there is still discrimination lurking" in Scotland today, which is why hate crime laws are necessary.

"This is a proud day for this Parliament and a proud day for Scotland," concludes Mr Matheson.