Today: 6 July 2025
20 July 2023
3 mins read

Sunak apologises for LGBT ban in armed forces

The government has previously accepted that the treatment of LGBT armed forces personnel and veterans prior to the year 2000 was completely unacceptable and highly regrettable…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday apologised on behalf of the UK government for the treatment of LGBT veterans, saying a previous ban on their deployment in the armed forces was an “appalling failure” of the British state.

Sunak’s apology in the House of Commons came as an independent review concluded that pre-2000 investigations into an individual’s sexuality were intrusive and invasive, and for some caused long-lasting and severe impacts on the lives of veterans and their families.

“The ban on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state – decades behind the law of this land,” said Sunak.

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

“Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise, and I hope all those affected will be able to feel part of the proud veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe,” he said.

The independent review, chaired by Lord Terence Etherton and co-commissioned by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The government has previously accepted that the treatment of LGBT armed forces personnel and veterans prior to the year 2000 was completely unacceptable and highly regrettable.

“I am pleased that this review has shone a much-needed light on a shameful and unacceptable historical chapter in our armed forces history,” said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

“It is heartbreaking that the very tolerance and values that we expected our soldiers, sailors and aviators to fight for, were denied to many of them. I am pleased we now have the opportunity to right those historic wrongs so that LGBT veterans can once again take pride in their service,” he said.

The scope of Lord Etherton’s review focused on three main areas, with the primary one being the effect the historic policy may have had on those impacted by the ban, including the consequences for their future lives.

It also looked at the accessibility of veterans’ services for LGBT people and how to ensure that LGBT veterans are recognised and fully accepted as members of the armed forces.

“The apology today is an important part of addressing the historic hurt that many LGBT veterans feel,” said Johnny Mercer, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

“We’re also looking to the future as we learn from the past, including stepping up support services for veterans affected by the issues raised in this review,” Mercer said.

To support those affected by the historic ban, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs said it is awarding 250,000 pounds to LGBT organisations to provide support services for impacted veterans.

This is in addition to the 45,000 pounds in funding provided to organisations last year to help them gather evidence for the review, the MoD said.

Within the review are 49 recommendations, including the restoration of medals that were required to be handed back on dismissal or discharge, the awarding of campaign and other medals that were withheld, the clarification of pension rights and the presentation of the Veterans Badge.

The government said it is committed to working with LGBT armed forces veterans to ensure that all restorative measures delivered are appropriate.

ALSO READ-US, Japan, South Korea to hold summit in August

Previous Story

Inflation slows in June, easing pressure on BoE

Next Story

China-Northern England Cooperation Forum held in Leeds

Latest from -Top News

Kenyans put president on notice

Kenya’s fifth president became a remarkably unpopular leader barely two years into his presidency after proposing aggressive tax measures that many saw as a betrayal of his campaign promise to support working-class

World Bank grants South Africa a $1.5 bn loan

Deteriorating rail systems, jammed ports and frequent blackouts have hindered vital industries like mining and auto manufacturing in South Africa, contributing to slow economic growth over the last decade in Africa’s most

Judge halts Trump from dismantling USADF

Congress established USADF as an independent agency in 1980, with the mandate to support economic development initiatives in AfricaXXX In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Washington, DC, has temporarily

UAE Takes Part in 3rd BRICS Sherpa Meeting

For the UAE, BRICS provides a valuable platform for dialogue and policy coordination across regions….reports Asian Lite News Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs and the UAE’s

Khamenei Breaks Cover in Tehran

Iran’s Supreme Leader makes first public appearance since conflict with Israel, as mystery over his wartime absence continues. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made his first public appearance on Saturday since
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Trump is back on Facebook after 2 year ban

Meta, on January 7, 2021, suspended Trump’s Facebook and Instagram

Britain is not a racist country, says Sunak

On the education system, he added: “We will introduce the