Justice Minister Alma Zadic says an estimated 11,000 people are eligible for compensation. Their compensation will be paid from a pot of 33 million euros. Convictions are also overturned. People must report to the authorities if they believe they are entitled to compensation.
Austria decriminalized homosexuality in 1971, but discriminatory laws remained in place for decades afterward. Zadic acknowledged that no amount of financial compensation can compensate for “the injustice that has been done.” Still, she said she believes it is important that responsibility is taken “for this part of our history.”
The compensation can run into thousands of euros. For example, people can claim 3,000 euros if they have been convicted. That amount may be higher, for example if people have been in prison. The legislation still needs to be approved by the Austrian parliament. The state expects to begin paying out the reimbursements next year.