ABOUT a dozen people were convicted of “homosexual offences” in the Northern Territory but today’s apology from Chief Minister Michael Gunner will impact far more.

Mr Gunner was due to apologise in Parliament today to those affected by convictions for consensual homosexual offences.

Legislation to allow those carrying convictions to apply to have their records wiped clean is expected to pass Parliament this week.

Rainbow Territory member Jane Black said the apology and passage of the expungement scheme would be an emotional moment for members of the NT’s LGBTQI community.

She said the apology would go some way towards addressing the “deep wrong and discrimination” faced primarily by gay men in the 1970s and ’80s.

She said the apology and expungement scheme should also be an opportunity to bring attention to existing discriminatory laws.

“I think it’s a sign that the NT is trying to address the legacy of discrimination but Rainbow Territory believes we shouldn’t hide from the fact discrimination still exists today,” she said.

Ms Black said the NT’s Anti-Discrimination Act allowed for discrimination against the LGBTQI community.

The Act allows religious schools to discriminate against employees on the grounds of religious beliefs, activity or sexuality.

The Act is under review.

Attorney-General Natasha Fyles said, while only a small number of people were convicted before homosexuality was decriminalised in 1984, the impacts were great.

“This is a very personal matter for people and still carries a great deal of difficulty for them,” she said.

Ms Fyles said the apology and expungement scheme would send a positive message to others.

“It’s an acknowledgment that we got it wrong all those years ago and we charged them and made it a crime simply to be in a relationship,” she said.

Ms Fyles said expungements would only be available for conduct which would now not be illegal.

“Authorised people” will be able to apply on behalf of a person who has died.

Cases will be reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Department chief executive.

Mr Gunner was due to give the apology at 10am Tuesday, followed by a morning tea at Parliament House.