Rishi Sunak apologies for ‘horrific’ treatment of LGBTQ+ people in the military

Rishi Sunak has apologised on behalf of the Government for the ‘horrific’ historic treatment of LGBTQ+ people serving in the military.

Serving personnel suspected of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender used to be intensely questioned and subjected to distressing medical inspections.

People lost their careers and their pensions, and were ordered to never again use their military rank or wear their uniform.

Some even served time behind bars due to the military criminal offence of being homosexual.

A Government-commissioned independent review into the service and experience of LGBT veterans who served in the armed forces between 1967 and 2000 was carried out by Lord Etherton, former Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice.

Mr Sunak told the Commons today: ‘The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state decades behind the law of this land.

‘As today’s report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country.

‘Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise.’

He added: ‘I hope all those affected will be able to feel proud parts of the veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe.’

The apology was welcomed by former British Army Officer Catherine Dixon, who said she had experienced shame and humiliation during the course of her military career.

Now vice-chair at Stonewall, she said: ‘Today’s apology and announcements are an important step to achieving justice for those LGBTQ+ people who served in HM Armed Forces and, like me, experienced shame, humiliation and a ruined military career because of our sexuality.

‘Many were imprisoned, experienced corrective violence and lived with the stain of criminal convictions because of who they loved and which left some homeless and many unable to work.

‘Stonewall is proud to have played a key role in overturning the ban in the courts which was finally lifted in 2000, to have worked with HM Armed Forces over the years to support their journey to being LGBTQ+ inclusive employers and in ensuring that LGBTQ+ veterans received today’s apology and where needed support.’

At the time of the gay ban, many Armed Forces charities wouldn’t help those affected due to their ‘dismissed in disgrace’ status.

But today, charities such as Fighting With Pride are on hand to support the veterans.

The organisation aims to connect service charities and organisations to those who have been ‘left behind’ as a result of the military ban.

Earlier today, Fighting with Pride tweeted: ‘This morning, we are seeing the first reporting of what will be a momentous day in the history of LGBT+ Service, and for the future of all those affected by the ban.’

The ban on being gay in the military was lifted on 12 January 2000 after years of legal wrangling.

Ms Dixon added: ‘I would like to thank all who spoke out and contributed to the independent review, Lord Etherton and Fighting with Pride for their steadfast resolution to ensuring justice is done’

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