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The UK government has announced that LGBT veterans who were discharged from the armed forces for being gay will be eligible for compensation of up to £70,000. The Ministry of Defence stated that the move follows extensive talks with veterans and campaigners. The decision also means that veterans can apply to have their rank restored and discharge reason amended. The total amount of compensation available has been increased from £50m to £75m.
From Friday this week, veterans will be able to apply for £50,000. Those who were negatively impacted by the ban on LGBT personnel between 1967 and 2000, including those who suffered harassment, invasive investigations, and were imprisoned, can apply for additional payments of up to £20,000. The exact amount of this additional compensation will be decided by an independent panel. All payments will be exempt from income tax and will not affect means-tested benefits.
Homosexuality started to be decriminalised in the UK in 1967 but remained banned in the armed forces until 2000. Those who were or were perceived to be gay were often subjected to lengthy investigations before being dismissed from the military. The LGBT Veterans Independent Review revealed bullying, assaults and expulsions of LGBT servicemen and women throughout various decades, frequently leaving them without income or pensions.
The National Audit Office announced that up to 4,000 veterans are expected to be eligible for compensation. Stephen Close, an army veteran, expressed his hopes for some financial compensation. Close was convicted of the sexual offence of gross indecency after kissing another man while stationed in Berlin in the 1980s. He lived as a convicted sex offender for 30 years before eventually being pardoned in 2013. Despite his hardships, Close said he was still proud to have served his country. The government states that the £75m available is significantly above the level recommended in the Etherton Review. Veterans can enrol in the scheme from Friday the 13th of December
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