The UK government has introduced a £75 million compensation scheme for LGBTQ+ veterans who were dismissed from the armed forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, with applications opening today. This initiative aims to address the significant distress caused by the policy that prohibited gay and lesbian personnel from serving in the military, a ban that remained in force from 1967 until 2000.
Defence Secretary John Healey called the historical treatment of LGBTQ+ veterans “a moral stain on our nation” and emphasised the government’s commitment to rectify the wrongs endured by these individuals. He noted that approximately 200 to 250 service members were discharged annually because of their sexuality, a figure not precisely documented due to inadequate record-keeping practices at the time. In a Commons debate scheduled for Thursday, Healey is expected to elaborate on the scheme and invite LGBTQ+ veterans to attend in the public gallery.
The compensation will consist of a flat payment of £50,000 for all veterans who were dismissed due to their sexuality, with additional payments of up to £20,000 based on the severity of their experiences, such as harassment or invasive investigations. Payments will be exempt from income tax and will not affect means-tested benefits. The initiative follows an independent review by former judge Terence Etherton, who initially recommended a £50 million cap for the fund. However, after consultations with LGBT veterans, ministers opted to increase the total available amount by 50%.
The Ministry of Defence's move comes after testimonies highlighted brutal treatment that many veterans faced. One anonymous former Royal Navy member shared his experience of being forcefully removed from his accommodations and detained without legal representation for months following his admission of a same-sex encounter. He described enduring humiliation and shame, along with severe long-term emotional and psychological repercussions.
Stephen Close, a veteran associated with the Army, said that his conviction of gross indecency after kissing another man while stationed in Berlin left lasting ramifications, including a lack of pension and financial stability. He stated, "It's just been a constant struggle all my life," reflecting the hardships many have experienced since their dismissal.
In light of the upcoming scheme, Defence Secretary Healey reiterated that successful applications would allow veterans to have their rank restored and the reasons for their discharge amended, enabling them to seek a form of justice for the experiences they were subjected to during their service.
Tremaine Cornish, an Army Commando dismissed in the 1970s, described the stark contrast in life outcomes between veterans like himself and those who continued to serve. Speaking of his precarious housing situation, he articulated the distress caused by the loss of his military career, stating, “I look at how people who had a full career...have done well. I know many I joined up with...who got commissions and did well and now have a nice home.”
Despite the significant increase in funding, some campaigners remain critical of the final sum made available, feeling it may not adequately compensate for the profound impacts experienced by many LGBTQ+ veterans. Craig Jones, director of the charity Fighting with Pride, remarked that while the financial support would provide "some degree of comfort," it does not address the broader issues of lack of pensions and secure futures for those affected.
As the Ministry of Defence aims to respond to the drastic injustices faced by LGBTQ+ veterans throughout the years, the debate and details on the Financial Recognition Scheme will be closely monitored by both veterans and advocates within the community. Applications for compensation officially open tomorrow, marking a new step toward reconciliation for those affected by the “gay ban” in the UK armed forces.
Source: Noah Wire Services