United Kingdom –
LGBT+ soldiers dismissed from the army will be compensated
Until 2000, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people were not allowed to serve in the British army.
Former soldiers or army employees dismissed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity will be able to claim the individual sum of 50,000 pounds (around 56,000 francs).
AFP
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The British government will release 75 million pounds (84.5 million francs) to compensate LGBT+ veterans who were ousted from the army because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, the Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday. Defense.
Until a change in the law in 2000, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people were not allowed to serve in the British army.
In order to “repair historical wrongs”, former soldiers or army employees dismissed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity will be able to claim the individual sum of 50,000 pounds (around 56,000 francs), which is higher than initially expected.
“Moral bankruptcy”
“The treatment of LGBT veterans is a moral failure of our nation. The government is determined to right the wrongs of the past and recognize the suffering endured by too many people,” Defense Minister John Healey said in a statement.
In addition to the end of their careers and public humiliation, these veterans were sometimes deprived of their military pension, ending their lives in precariousness. “We fully welcome the return of our LGBT veterans to the military, and recognize their contribution to the security of the nation,” said Veterans Affairs Secretary Alistair Carns.
A second compensation, ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 pounds (1,100 to 22,500 francs), may be added to the initial sum, depending on the “suffering” linked to this ban, whether for example harassment, brutal interrogations or even incarceration. Affected individuals will also be able to request reinstatement of their rank and medals.
Government apologies
A debate on this system will take place on Thursday in the British Parliament, but veterans can already start claiming their compensation online.
In July 2023, a report commissioned by the Conservative government at the time shed light on the “horrific treatment” of LGBT+ ex-military personnel who served between 1967 and 2000.
On the day of its publication, Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologized on behalf of the government, before beginning this process of repair and rehabilitation.
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