British prime minister issues apology to LGBTQ veterans
Speaking to the House of Commons on Wednesday, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologized to the nation’s LGBTQ military veterans for what he termed [a] “period, many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country.” Speaking at the last Prime Minister’s Question Time before Parliament’s summer break, Sunak’s apology came after the report released this week, which had been previously leaked in May, confirmed that gay and lesbian British soldiers, airmen and sailors were subjected to horrific electroshock treatment. “Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologize and I hope all those affected will be able to feel proud parts of the veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe.” Additionally, PinkNewsUK reported, gay and lesbian servicemembers were forced to endure so-called “conversion therapy,” sexual assault, unwarranted surveillance and blackmail from their superiors between 1967, when homosexuality was partially decriminalized, and 2000, when the ban on gay soldiers serving in the military was lifted.
The LGBT Veterans Independent Review was carried out by chair Lord Etherton, independent of both the government and the armed forces, and was reportedly submitted to the government in May for review and response, PinkNewsUK also noted.
The UK’s Fighting with Pride non-profit charity, which was set up by former Royal Navy officer, Craig Jones and ex-RAF navigator, Caroline Paige in 2020 to right the wrongs of the military service ban, including financial remedy from lost pensions and loss of earnings, reacted in a statement: Jones and Paige, the executive chair and chief executive of Fighting With Pride
