The government has paid over £31 million to 949 LGBTQ veterans in an effort to compensate those affected by the historical ban on gay individuals serving in the armed forces. The Ministry of Defence has enhanced its payments team and implemented an automated processing system to expedite applications to the Financial Recognition Scheme.
The ban, which persisted until 2000 despite the decriminalization of homosexuality, resulted in the dismissal of numerous personnel from the Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. Many of these individuals experienced mistreatment, bullying, involuntary outing, and even imprisonment due to their sexuality.
Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Minister for Veterans and People, expressed the government’s commitment to addressing the past injustices suffered by LGBTQ personnel. The Financial Recognition Scheme acknowledges the mistreatment of LGBTQ personnel between 1967 and 2000, urging more LGBTQ veterans to apply before the scheme’s closure in December 2026.
Fighting With Pride, a charity supporting LGBTQ+ Armed Forces, commended the progress made but emphasized the need for improved decision-making speed and broader inclusivity in reparations for affected veterans. Chief Executive Peter Gibson urged the government to enhance awareness through a robust publicity campaign to ensure that all eligible individuals receive the support they deserve.
Claire Ashton, a trans woman and former gunner in the Royal Artillery who faced bullying in the late 1960s, welcomed the payments as a significant milestone. She highlighted the importance of the government and Ministry of Defence acknowledging their past wrongdoings as a crucial aspect of the compensation process.
In a gesture of recognition, King Charles laid flowers at a new memorial honoring LGBTQ+ armed forces veterans, further emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and supporting those impacted by the ban on gay individuals serving in the military.