"LGBT soldiers have been treated disgracefully, banned from military service – a resounding failure of the country," British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said today. "On behalf of the UK, I apologize," he added.
The comments come after the release today of a special independent report, authored by Judge Terence Atherton. The report stated that many hundreds of soldiers were dismissed from the military because of their sexual orientation or suffered under the official ban on homosexuality in the military, which was lifted only in 2000.
Reuters
The report includes more than 1,100 testimonies from former British soldiers and extensively describes the effects of "an incomprehensible policy of homophobic bigotry in the armed forces". Some of the victims of bullying ended their lives, others just tried. "The soldiers' testimonies provide shocking evidence of a culture of homophobia, bullying, blackmail and sexual assault, as well as disturbing investigations into sexual orientation, disgraceful medical examinations, including conversion therapy."
Sunak in Parliament in London. "Apologies on behalf of the British state," Photo: AFP
"As the report makes clear, during this period they have endured abject sexual exploitation and violence, harassment and homophobic harassment – all while faithfully serving the country," Sunak said. "On behalf of the country, I apologize."
The author of the report recommends financial compensation for victims, even if the statute of limitations applies for the offenses. British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the government had agreed that compensation should be provided but that time was needed to address the issue.
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