UK to compensate LGBTQ veterans sacked by army

FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

LONDON — The British government will allocate 75 million pounds ($96 million) to compensate LGBTQ military veterans sacked by the army over their sexual orientation, the defense ministry announced on Thursday.

Until a 2000 reform, lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people were barred from military service in Britain. Those who were found out were often harassed, abused and sacked, according to a government-commissioned report last year.

Seeking to right “historic wrongs”, former armed forces members or employees sacked over their sexuality or gender identity will be eligible to receive £50,000 each, the defense ministry said — a larger amount than initially expected.

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“The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was a moral stain on our nation. Our government is determined to right the wrongs of the past and recognize the hurt that too many endured,” Defense Secretary John Healey said in a statement.

Besides losing their jobs and being subjected to public humiliation, the veterans involved were sometimes stripped of their pension benefits, living the rest of their lives in poverty.

“We fully welcome our LGBT veterans back into Defense, and acknowledge their vital contribution to keeping the nation safe,” said Minister for Veterans Alistair Carns.

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Additional compensation of £1,000 to £20,000 will be offered based on the “suffering” of particular individuals, whether harassment, brutal interrogations or imprisonment, officials said.

Victims will also be able to request the reinstatement of their military rank and medals.

Parliament is due to debate the measure on Thursday, but veterans can already begin filing their compensation requests online.

In July 2023, a report ordered by Britain’s then-Conservative Party government revealed the “horrendous” treatment of LGBTQ veterans who had served between 1967 and 2000.

The day it was published, former prime minister Rishi Sunak apologized on behalf of the government. He then set in motion the process that led to Thursday’s reparations announcement.