British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday apologised to LGBT military veterans on behalf of the UK government, saying a previous ban on their deployment in the armed forces was an “appalling failure” of the British state.
Sunak’s apology in the House of Commons came as an independent review concluded that pre-2000 investigations into an individual’s sexuality were intrusive and invasive, and for some caused long-lasting and severe impacts on the lives of veterans and their families.
“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,” Sunak said. “As today’s report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment while bravely serving this country.”
“Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise, and I hope all those affected will be able to feel part of the proud veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe,” he added.
“It is heartbreaking that the very tolerance and values that we expected our soldiers, sailors, and aviators to fight for, were denied to many of them. I am pleased we now have the opportunity to right those historic wrongs so that LGBT veterans can once again take pride in their service,” the British PM said.
Britain lifted the ban in 2000 after the European Court of Human Rights rejected an argument that it was needed to protect morale and fighting power amongst its troops, saying the policy had violated human rights.
