LGBT Armed Forces Personnel Courts Martial 2022-06-13
2022-06-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Prior to 2001, LGBT servicemen and women faced court-martialling and dismissal from the service due to their sexuality. This led to loss of pensions and rights.
How many LGBT armed forces personnel were court-martialled on account of their sexuality in the most recent period for which data is available prior to 2001?
We acknowledge the injustice faced by service personnel historically and have commissioned an independent review to assess figures, although specifics are in a grey area. We look forward to announcing the review's findings in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific statistics on how many LGBT personnel were court-martialled before 2001.
Grey Area
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
LGBT servicemen and women until 2001 were routinely court-martialled, dismissed from service, lost their pensions, and were barred from wearing medals. An inquiry has been set up but no chairman appointed yet.
At a recent meeting with Fighting With Pride, it was revealed that LGBT servicemen and women faced court-martialling and dismissal until 2001; they lost pensions and rights. This injustice remains uncorrected. What is needed now is not just an inquiry but pardons and dignity for those affected.
We commend the advocacy of Fighting With Pride, and a highly credible individual will chair the review. The formal announcement for this is expected next week during Armed Forces Week.
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Assessment & feedback
Immediate actions like pardoning LGBT personnel dismissed before 2001.
Next Week
Highly Credible Individual
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Before Labour lifted the ban on LGBT personnel in service, thousands were dismissed. While some rights have been restored, restrictions persist, such as not being allowed to wear headwear or insignia as veterans.
Before the ban was lifted, thousands of LGBT personnel were dismissed from service. Although Ministers now allow them to wear medals, they still face restrictions like not wearing headgear or insignia. Does the Minister agree that until all restrictions are lifted and pension issues resolved, the MOD breaches the military covenant?
We absolutely agree and hope that the independent review will provide a path towards delivering justice by listening with compassion to the recommendations made.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions or timeline for lifting restrictions and resolving pension issues.
Review
Justice
Response accuracy