Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan has said he will continue to support LGBT Veterans in their campaign to right the wrongs of the past and renew the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.
Mr Morgan made the comments at an event at The National Museum of the Royal Navy ahead of the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the ban on LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the UK Armed Forces.
Mr Morgan has long campaigned for LGBTQ+ veterans to ensure they receive the apology, restoration of ranks, and compensation they deserve, making the case for the Government to take action during the passage of the Armed Forces Bill back in 2021.
Mr Morgan has continued that campaign by meeting with representatives of Fighting with Pride and raising their views in Westminster.
As many as 20,000 were jailed or dismissed for their sexuality before the gay ban in the military was lifted in 2000, a ban which is expected to have impacted residents in Portsmouth.
Those who were discovered to be LGBTQ+ reportedly faced horrific treatment, including physical and sexual abuse, so-called ‘conversion therapy’ and blackmail, as well as dismissal from the service.
Such dismissals often resulted in people losing their homes, friends and financial security, as well as suffering lifelong trauma from the experiences.
The LGBT Veterans Independent Review, chaired by Lord Etherton, and commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel impacted by the Ban.
The Government has completed 32 of the 49 recommendations and work continues at pace to fulfil the recommendations that remain, including financial redress.
Commenting, Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan said:
“The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was utterly unacceptable and caused so much long-lasting harm to those veterans and their families.
“That’s why I have long campaigned to ensure they receive the apology, restoration of ranks, and deserved compensation.
“I am really pleased to see the Labour government acting at pace to deliver on the recommendations of the Lord Etherton report to provide LGBT veterans with the recognition they deserve.”
Last night’s event featured screenings of Uncharted Waters: Generations of LGBTQ+ Pride in the Royal Navy, a short film on the experiences of LGBTQ+ personnel before and after the lifting of the ban.
