The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee will conclude its work this Parliament in March 2026 ahead of the next Scottish Parliament election. So the Committee has time to complete its work, it has agreed not to consider petitions submitted after 10 October.
The Committee will continue to meet but given the volume of petitions and agreed work programme it is unlikely that the Committee would be able to meaningfully progress work on petitions submitted after 10 October ahead of the election. Petitions lodged after this date will not fall when the Parliament is dissolved and will be for the successor committee to consider in the new session.
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Closed petition PE2122: Pardon those who were accused and convicted of witchcraft in Scotland under the Witchcraft Act 1563
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to pardon the, predominantly female, historic victims of Scotland's witch trials, who were accused and convicted under the Witchcraft Act 1563.
Background information
The Witches of Scotland campaign highlights 3,837 people were accused of witchcraft in Scotland, with 84% being women. Granting posthumous justice to these victims acknowledges a dark chapter in our history driven by misogyny. This remains relevant today, given the increasing misogyny in our society and ongoing witch accusations and persecution in other parts of the world.
The public consultation for Natalie Don’s proposed Member’s Bill, gathered 1,443 responses, with 82% fully supporting the Bill. Those in favour highlighted that:
Scotland should acknowledge and apologise for the errors of its past and honour those unfairly persecuted under the Witchcraft Act 1563.
If passed, the proposed bill would convey a strong message of equality and opposition to misogyny in contemporary society.
Enacting a pardon would send a powerful message globally to nations that continue to persecute individuals on grounds of alleged witchcraft.
Ms Don withdrew the proposal following appointment to the Scottish Government.
This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament
50 signatures