The government has allocated over £31 million to compensate 949 LGBTQ veterans affected by the historical ban on gay individuals serving in the armed forces. The Ministry of Defence has enhanced its payment team and implemented an automated processing system to expedite applications to the Financial Recognition Scheme.
The ban, in place until 2000 despite the decriminalization of homosexuality, led to the dismissal of numerous individuals from the Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. Many faced adverse treatment, including bullying, forced outing, and imprisonment due to their sexual orientation.
Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the past injustices suffered by LGBTQ personnel. The Financial Recognition Scheme, acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals between 1967 and 2000, will close in December 2026, urging more LGBTQ veterans to come forward for support.
Fighting With Pride’s campaign for LGBTQ Veterans has received backing from the Mirror for years. Claire Ashton, a transgender veteran who faced harassment as early as 1969, hailed the compensation as a significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of official acknowledgment from the government and Ministry of Defence.
King Charles recently paid tribute to LGBT+ armed forces veterans at a new memorial, with Ashton highlighting the event’s significance in recognizing affected servicemen and women. While progress has been welcomed by LGBTQ+ Armed Forces charity, Fighting With Pride, Chief Executive Peter Gibson emphasized the need for improved decision speed and comprehensive support for all affected veterans.
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