LGBT veterans who were dismissed from the armed forces for being gay will be eligible to receive up to £70,000 in compensation, the government has said. The Ministry of Defence said the move followed extensive engagement with LGBT veterans and campaigners. Veterans can apply to have their rank restored and discharge reason amended.
Applications will open on Friday for LGBT veterans who were dismissed or discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity to receive £50,000. Additional payments of up to £20,000 will also be available for those negatively impacted by the ban on LGBT personnel between 1967 and 2000. This is aimed at those who suffered harassment, invasive investigations and those who were sent to prison.
DEFENCE SECRETARY JOHN HEAPY CALLED THE FAILURES FACED BY LGTB SERVICE MEMBERS: “A MORAL STAIN ON OUR NATION” IN AN APOLOGY TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.
The military’s ban on LGBT staff was only lifted in the year 2000
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