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Prior to 2000, service personnel who were discovered to be
lesbian, gay or trans were forced to leave the military under
policies that designated them as unfit to serve in the armed
forces. Many others were subjected to brutal investigations into
allegations about their sexual orientation.
“The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was a moral stain on
our nation,’’ Defense Secretary John Healey said in announcing
the compensation. “Our government is determined to right the
wrongs of the past and recognize the hurt that too many
endured.’’
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year apologized for the
past mistreatment of gay service members and accepted the
recommendations of an independent review, including the
principle of financial compensation. Thursday’s announcement
provides 75 million pounds for the compensation effort.
Veterans who were dismissed from the military because of their
sexual orientation or gender identity will receive 50,000
pounds, with additional payments of up to 20,000 pounds for
those who were negatively affected by the ban in other ways.
Advocates for gay veterans said the program didn’t go far
enough.
Craig Jones, whose charity Fighting with Pride was among those
calling for compensation, said the amounts are too low compared
to what service personnel suffered.
“In my years of serving, I watched many of my colleagues marched
away by the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military
Police, and I watched that happen with great sadness,’’ Jones
said. “I was lucky not to get caught, but it’s been a privilege
and an honor to go back, as we do in the armed forces, and find
those who have not fared so well and to support them.’’
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