People convicted of indecency and anti-abortion offences that are no longer on the books can now have those convictions expunged.

The list of historically unjust offences is being expanded to include a number of charges dating back to 1892 that were largely directed at the L-G-B-T-Q community and women.

“Historically, Canada has criminalized venues that were considered to be safe spaces for LGBTQ2S communities such as bath houses, nightclubs and swingers clubs,” said Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.

Abortion has been legal in Canada since 1988 and according to the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records there were 67 abortion-related convictions.

People can apply to the Parole Board and have their criminal records cleared and family members or trustees can apply on behalf of people who have died.