Rishi Sunak apologises to LGBT veterans for armed forces ban as report reveals 'horrific' historical treatment
news.sky.comLGBT veterans who served in the armed forces between 1967 and 2000 was carried out by Lord Etherton, former master of the rolls and head of civil justice, was published on Wednesday.His report said: "I recommend that the prime minister should deliver an apology in the UK Parliament on behalf of the nation to all those LGBT service personnel who served under and suffered from the ban (whether or not they were dismissed or discharged)."Mr Sunak told the Commons: "The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state decades behind the law of this land.
Swatch: Watchmaker sues Malaysian government for seizing rainbow Pride watches Anti-LGBT mob storms pride event in Georgia's capital Tbilisi Edgars Rinkevics: European Union's first openly gay head of state sworn in as Latvia's president "As today's report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment, all while bravely serving this country."Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise."Read more:Malaysian govt sued for seizing rainbow Pride watchesAnti-LGBT mob storms pride event in GeorgiaThe prime minister added: "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."Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said he was "deeply sorry" on behalf of the government and the armed forces - adding the report makes for "miserable and distressing" reading and "spotlights the hurt" felt by those affected.Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party was "proud to repeal the ban" on LGBT+ personnel serving in the forces when it was in office."Today, we strongly welcome this.
