Ministry of Defence to restore medals to LGBT military personnel discharged over sexuality

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is addressing a “historical wrong” by returning medals confiscated from members of the Armed Forces who were dismissed from service based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Former service personnel will be invited to apply for any medals forfeited due to a historic ban on being homosexual in the military which was not lifted until 2000.

In some circumstances, the families of deceased personnel affected will also be able to apply.

This new initiative will also address those who were discharged because of their sexuality and lost the opportunity to regain medals previously forfeited for unrelated reasons.

It is hoped that correcting this historic injustice will bring some comfort to veterans and their families.

The announcement underlines the MoD’s commitment to ensure it is an organisation that fully welcomes and promotes LGBT personnel.

Defence Minister Baroness Goldie said: “It is deeply regrettable that because of their sexuality some members of the Armed Forces were in the past treated in a way that would not be acceptable today.”

“As a result of disciplinary action and their dismissal from service, some personnel forfeited medals that they had earned, and others were denied the opportunity of continued service that could have resulted in the restoration of medals that were forfeited for different reasons.”

Welsh Parliament member Laura Anne Jones – the Shadow Minister for Equalities – has endorsed the announcement, she said: “Welsh Conservatives and all people in Wales will be pleased at the announcement today that those we count as the best of us – the men and women serving and who have served in the Armed Forces – may apply to  people to serve – will now be able to reclaim medals that were confiscated from them under the laws of the day.”

 “It was a grave injustice, and one I am pleased to see being put right.”

All applications will be reviewed individually by the Defence Council and, if approved, the MOD Medal Office will arrange for a new medal to be awarded to the claimant.

Work is also underway across the UK Government to examine and understand the wide ranging impact of pre-2000 practices in the Armed Forces in relation to sexuality. This will ensure that beyond the return of medals, the impact of this historical wrong is acknowledged and appropriately addressed.

Craig Jones and Caroline Page, joint chief executives, Fighting with Pride said: “Today, LGBT+ veterans are finally beginning their journey back to the military family. Fighting With Pride looks forward to a better future for them, where they are recognised for their service, their health needs are supported and they are recompensed for the wrongs of the past.”

“We are also pleased to see the Government’s further commitment to investigate the long term impact of being dismissed from our Armed Forces, particularly in regard to the health, housing and employment of LGBT+ veterans, many of whom today still live in poverty and beyond the protections of the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Robbie de Santos, Associate Director of Communications & Campaign, Stonewall said: “It’s wonderful news that LGBT+ veterans will finally be able to get their medals back. This move by the Ministry of Defence will go a long way in the righting the wrongs of the past and will mean a lot to so many LGBT+ people who proudly served their country.”

“This decision from the Ministry of Defence shows the kind of difference bold leadership can make for LGBT+ people. It’s never too late for an organisation to apologise for historical injustices and show the steps they are taking to make things right. But for leaders of today, we urge you not to wait.”