LGBTQ+ Veterans Criticise Government for Scrapping Debate on ‘Appalling’ Gay Ban
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Military charities across the UK have joined forces to criticize the government after plans for a Westminster debate on the armed forces’ “gay ban” were scrapped. The ban, which had been in place until 2000, led to the dismissal or forced expulsion of individuals based on their sexual orientation. Following an independent review into the ban published in July, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued an apology to LGBTQ+ veterans who had faced “horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying, and harassment” as a result. Then-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace promised a debate on reparations for wrongfully expelled veterans.
However, BBC News reported on Monday that plans for the debate had been scrapped and would be replaced by a government statement. In response to this sudden change, LGBTQ+ military charity Fighting With Pride penned an open letter calling on Sunak to honor the government’s promise of a debate. The letter, co-signed by The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, and Age UK, also demanded the removal of the recommended compensation limit of £50 million.
Co-directors of Fighting With Pride, Craig Jones and Caroline Paige, expressed their disappointment with the government’s decision. They highlighted the courage shown by over 1,000 veterans who gave evidence to the LGBT Veterans Independent Review and argued that denying them the promised parliamentary debate was an act of erasure. They also criticized the proposed £50 million compensation cap, stating that it would leave veterans with meager financial settlements that could not provide them with stable housing or the income necessary for a fulfilling life.
The charity warned that such a low compensation cap could lead to impoverishment among veterans who had already lost their income and future pensions due to their forced expulsion from the military. One example is RAF veteran David Bonney, who is believed to be the last man in Britain to be imprisoned for being gay. Accused of “homosexual misconduct” while working as a medic for the RAF, Bonney was sent to military prison in Colchester in 1995. Although he was released on appeal after four months, his conviction still remains on his criminal record, and he has been unable to claim a pension for his years of military service.
Bonney expressed his frustration with the government’s decision not to hold a debate on reparations for wrongfully dismissed and convicted servicemembers like himself. He questioned why the bullies who had caused him to lose his pension and wages were not held accountable. He also raised concerns about the financial compensation cap, suggesting that the House of Commons might not agree with it, which could explain why Sunak did not want a debate. Bonney concluded that the decision reflected the influence of homophobes on the prime minister.
The government’s decision to scrap the planned debate has been met with widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ veterans and their advocates. They argue that it is essential to address the historic injustices faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers and provide them with fair compensation for the harm they suffered. The open letter from Fighting With Pride and other military charities emphasizes the need for the government to honor its promises and ensure that veterans receive the support they deserve.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to cancel the Westminster debate on the armed forces’ “gay ban” has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ veterans and military charities. The proposed £50 million compensation cap has been strongly criticized for being inadequate and potentially leading to further financial struggles for veterans who have already lost their income and pensions due to their forced expulsion from the military. LGBTQ+ advocates are calling on the government to reinstate the debate and lift the compensation cap to ensure that veterans receive fair reparations for the discrimination they faced.
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