The British government announced on Thursday that it will allocate 75 million pounds ($96 million) to compensate LGBTQ military veterans who were dismissed from the armed forces due to their sexual orientation.
Until a reform in 2000, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people were barred from serving in the British military. Those discovered to be LGBTQ often faced harassment, abuse, and dismissal, as highlighted in a government-commissioned report released last year.
In an effort to right these “historic wrongs,” former armed forces members or employees who were sacked due to their sexuality or gender identity will each be eligible for a £50,000 compensation, a larger amount than originally anticipated, according to the Defence Ministry.
“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 recognise the hurt that too many endured,” Defence Secretary John Healey said in a statement.
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Beyond losing their jobs and enduring public humiliation, many veterans had their pension benefits stripped, resulting in lives lived in poverty. “We fully welcome our LGBT veterans back into Defence, and acknowledge their vital contribution to keeping the nation safe,” said Minister for Veterans Alistair Carns.
Additional compensation ranging from £1,000 to £20,000 will be provided based on the individual suffering, including instances of harassment, brutal interrogations, or imprisonment, officials said.
Veterans will also have the option to request the reinstatement of their military rank and medals.
While Parliament is set to debate the measure on Thursday, veterans can already begin submitting their compensation requests online.
A report commissioned by the Conservative Party government in July 2023 revealed the “horrendous” treatment of LGBTQ veterans who served between 1967 and 2000. On the day the report was published, then-prime minister Rishi Sunak issued an apology on behalf of the government and initiated the process that led to Thursday’s reparations announcement.
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