UK PM Rishi Sunak Apologises For 33-Year Ban On LGBT Community In Military

Sunak told a full House of Commons chamber that the ban, which was in force from 1967 to 2000, was "an appalling failure of the British state, decades behind the law of this land."

British PM Rishi Sunak issued a formal apology on behalf of the government to LGBT military veterans. ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday issued a formal apology on behalf of the government to LGBT military veterans who suffered from sexual abuse, violence, bullying, and harassment during their service in the armed forces before the ban on homosexuality was lifted in 2000, reported news agency Reuters.

Sunak told a full House of Commons chamber that the ban, which was in force from 1967 to 2000, was "an appalling failure of the British state, decades behind the law of this land."

As per the agency, Britain lifted the ban only 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.

Before the year 2000, many gay people had sought to hide their sexuality or risk being discharged from the armed forces.

Last year, an independent review was launched to examine the testimonies of LGBT veterans to recognise the impact of the policies. 

The review was published on Wednesday.

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."

"On behalf of the British state, I apologise," he added.

The report said a public call for evidence had led to more than 1,120 responses being submitted, including about 300 from veterans who were dismissed or discharged because of LGBT same-sex sexual acts and homosexual orientation.

British Defence Minister Ben Wallace said the review had shone a light on "a shameful and unacceptable historical chapter in our Armed Forces history."

In a statement to parliament, Wallace said the review had made 49 recommendations for the government, including enhanced healthcare provisions for LGBT veterans and a financial award.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in England and Wales in 1967, and the same change was implemented throughout the entire United Kingdom in the early 1980s.