Compensation fund for dismissed LGBT veterans is too small, MPs believe

MPs have said the compensation fund for veterans discharged from the armed forces because they are gay is not generous enough.

Labor MPs said the £50 million allocated under a government scheme means LGBT veterans who were forced out of their jobs could receive around £12,500.

The so-called ‘gay ban’ in force in the armed forces was lifted in 2000.

Previously, LGBT staff faced lengthy investigations before being dismissed, stripping them of their medals and rank.

A 2023 review by Lord Etherton looked at the experiences of LGBT veterans, leading to the creation of the compensation scheme.

Labor MP for Burnley Oliver Ryan, who convened the adjournment debate, told the House of Commons: “Although the previous government issued a formal apology and took meaningful steps to implement many of the review’s recommendations, the compensation fund allocated is falling short of £50 million shortfall. , which does not adequately compensate the estimated 4,000 LGBT veterans and those affected by discriminatory practices.

“This amount is insufficient to address the extent of the damage caused or the number of people whose lives have, in many cases, been destroyed.

“We must advocate for a more substantive commitment to financial reparation, one that reflects the true extent of the injustice suffered by these individuals and seeks to make amends in a meaningful way.”

In the 1980s, hundreds of military personnel were dismissed every year because of their sexuality, LGBT activist Peter Tatchell has previously said.

Veterans who have been affected can request recovery measures on the government website.

The application window will be open at the end of the year, Veterans Secretary Al Carns said, and will remain open for two years. Before entering the House of Commons, Mr Carns had served with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan and was awarded the Military Cross.

Chris Ward, Labor MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peaceheaven referred to Steve, a constituent who was sacked from the RAF in 1985 over a relationship with a male officer.

He said: “He made the mistake of telling the truth and was sentenced to six months in prison. He lost his rank, he lost all his financial benefits, he lost his family, and he lost a career he loved.

“When he was released, he was 28 years old, homeless and had nowhere to go.

“I met Steve, he is a man of great honor and courage, but these are the words he said to me: ‘I felt overwhelmed by shame, my career was ruined, I had a criminal record, I had no pension and I had to live from hand to mouth for the rest of my life and survive on benefits.

“As we heard today, it’s not even an outlier.”

He added: “Whilst I also recognize the financial situation this government is operating in, capping payments at an average of £12,500 per person could really be appropriate to the level of injustice that people like Steve and so many other LGBT veterans are suffering .”

Mr Ward’s Labor Party colleague Tim Roca (Macclesfield) said: “I, like others, am concerned that a cap has been placed on the compensation scheme for the 4,000 veterans who have lost their careers because of institutional bigotry from the British stands.

‘How can it be right that £12,500 is considered sufficient for your own chaplain to conduct an investigation and then be questioned by the Special Investigation Department?

“In return for their willingness to serve, the British state has treated many thousands of people with contempt, subjecting them to state sanctions, institutionalizing homophobia and leaving them isolated from their friends and family.

“I’m glad we’re building a new consensus, but let’s take that consensus one step further and ensure that those 4,000 courageous, selfless service men and women get the compensation and redress they deserve.”

Mr Carns said he had spoken at the LGBTQ+ Defense Awards earlier this year and told guests: “Anyone can dodge bullets, bombs or artillery fire, but fight against the tide when everything is coming your way and continue the fight in the struggle because righteousness is praiseworthy.”

He called the treatment of LGBT staff from 1967 to 2000 “completely unacceptable”.

“The ministry was on the wrong side of history,” he added.

Mr Carns added: “I have of course been aware of speculation and have heard some figures about this fund. I trust colleagues will understand that while we continue our work to finalize its modalities, it is too early for me to comment on exact figures.”