In a significant step towards acknowledging historical mistreatment, Rishi Sunak has formally apologized to LGBT veterans who were discharged or compelled to leave the military due to their
sexual orientation. The Prime Minister branded the ban an "appalling failure" of the British state, recognizing the profound impact it had on the lives of numerous individuals.
Until the year 2000, being gay in the British military was considered illegal, affecting thousands of veterans. A comprehensive report conducted by the LGBT Veterans Independent Review, led by Britain's first openly gay judge Lord Etherton, delved into the experiences of 1,145 veterans spanning the years from 1967 to 2000.
The report brought to light shocking accounts of homophobic bigotry prevailing in the armed forces, which resulted in horrific sexual abuse, violence, bullying, harassment, and even conversion therapy. The Ministry of Defence, at the time, justified the policy under the guise of maintaining operational effectiveness and efficiency.
The review made 49 recommendations to the government, proposing actions to right the wrongs of the past, including providing affected veterans with a financial reward, capping the overall amount at £50 million. The restoration of medals previously surrendered upon dismissal or discharge, clarification of pension rights, and the presentation of a special veterans' badge were among the other recommendations.
During the official address to MPs, the Prime Minister empathized with the veterans, stating that many had exhibited bravery while serving the country but endured immense suffering due to systemic discrimination.
Numerous veterans, such as Emma Riley, who served as a Royal Navy radio operator in the 1990s before being discharged for her sexuality, expressed relief at the report's recommendations. Riley and many others hope for swift implementation of the changes to support LGBT+ veterans and hold those responsible for institutional bullying accountable.
The report also highlighted instances of invasive medical examinations, intrusive police investigations, and even imprisonment for homosexuality, which some veterans experienced until as recently as 1996. Moreover, those dismissed faced severe financial consequences, with some losing their income entirely and being deemed ineligible for pension claims.
Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, a former army officer who recently came out as gay, hailed the report's publication as a "historic moment." Likewise, Catherine Dixon, a former army officer and vice-chair at Stonewall, regarded it as a crucial step towards justice for individuals whose military careers were unfairly ruined due to their sexuality.
The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, conveyed his deep apologies to the veterans on behalf of the government and the armed forces. He recognized the profound injustice done to those who fought to defend democratic values but were denied tolerance and understanding.
The Royal British Legion, an armed forces charity, called on the government to fully accept the report's recommendations. Charles Byrne, the charity's director-general, commended both the report and Mr. Sunak's landmark apology, emphasizing that many dedicated individuals were forced to leave the armed forces due to mistreatment, which tragically ended or curtailed their careers.
Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer also expressed his satisfaction with the apology, hailing it as a significant moment for the LGBT community. The government has pledged to respond fully to the report after the summer recess, signifying a potential turning point in addressing the historical injustice faced by LGBT veterans in the British armed forces. Photo by Benson Kua, Wikimedia commons.