Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

LGBT Armed Forces Personnel: Courts Martial

Monday 13 June 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The injustice faced by LGBT service personnel historically due to court-martialling and dismissal is acknowledged by the government.
  • An independent review has been commissioned to assess the impact and figures related to the historical treatment of LGBT personnel, with findings expected in due course.
  • The government looks forward to announcing the chair of the independent review during Armed Forces Week, aiming to provide justice and dignity to those affected.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Gray Con
Women & Equalities Veterans
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific statistics on how many LGBT personnel were court-martialled before 2001.

How: Grey Area

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Q2 James Gray Con
Women & Equalities Veterans
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Leo Docherty

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Immediate actions like pardoning LGBT personnel dismissed before 2001.

How: Next Week, Highly Credible Individual

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Q3 Luke Pollard Labour (Co-op) Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Women & Equalities Veterans
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Leo Docherty

We absolutely agree and hope that the independent review will provide a path towards delivering justice by listening with compassion to the recommendations made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or timeline for lifting restrictions and resolving pension issues.

How: Review, Justice

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