Labor has pledged to quash historic convictions for homosexuality in Western Australia, should the party win the next election.

Key points: WA Premier apologises to men convicted for homosexual offences

WA Premier apologises to men convicted for homosexual offences New legislation to expunge convictions

New legislation to expunge convictions Homosexual acts decriminalised in WA in 1990

Homosexual acts were decriminalised in the state in 1990 under Labor's Carmen Lawrence, after the Dowding Government introduced a bill the previous year.

It was the same year as Queensland and 15 years after South Australia, the first state to do so.

WA passed the bill into law after four failed attempts.

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan said despite the decriminalisation of homosexual acts, people's historic convictions remained on criminal records, which affected their ability to travel to some countries and apply for jobs requiring a police clearance.

He said under a WA Labor government those criminal records would be expunged.

"Many people across the community, particularly men, were convicted of this crime," he said.

"It's a stain on people's lives, on their reputations, on their records, it's an embarrassment that shouldn't be there.

"Today it's not an offence, it should never have been an offence, therefore, we're going to remove those criminal records from these people who have unduly suffered historically, because of acts of the Western Australian Parliament."

He said the current Government was lagging behind other Australian states and territories that have expunged people's records.

The party believes 200 to 300 people would be affected.

Apology 'as important' as removing record

Rainbow Rights WA spokesman Jonathon Mann said an apology was equally important as removing people's criminal records.

"It goes to the healing process," he said.

"To say that 'look, it's actually not wrong, to be gay. You did nothing wrong, there is no criminal issue here'."

He called on WA Premier Colin Barnett to show bi-partisan support for the move, saying the issue should not be politicised.

Mr Mann said spent convictions were not enough, and sometimes still had to be disclosed to potential employers.

He said expunging the convictions would show people did not do anything wrong in the first place.

A spokeswoman for the WA Attorney-General said he had the matter under consideration and had obtained legal advice.

"He has also examined the experience and approach taken in other jurisdictions, with a view to formulating a position to bring to Cabinet," she said.