Austria - February 2024

Legislation introduced in November 2023 for rehabilitation and compensation of individuals persecuted or convicted for consensual homosexual acts took effect on 1 February. The legislation targets those convicted under the previous legal code, which had decriminalized homosexuality in 1971 but still targeted gay men and treated homosexual and heterosexual relationships differently. All affected individuals who faced imprisonment or serious social disadvantages, like job loss, can claim compensation, ranging from EUR 500 to 3,000. A total of EUR 33 million has been allocated for these payments. Justice Minister Alma Zadić apologized for the injustice caused by the authorities, stating that the compensation reflects the country's commitment to taking responsibility for these actions.

Sources: International IDEA, Bundesministerium Justiz, Kleine Zeitung, Der Standard, Kurier