A charity in Rutland says recognition for LGBT+ veterans who were mistreated whilst serving is crucial
It's as a new £75 million redress scheme is launched for serving personnel who were mistreated because of their sexuality
A charity in Rutland welcomes the new £75 million redress scheme launched for mistreated LGBT+ veterans.
Under what's called the "gay ban" some serving personnel were mistreated because of their sexuality - subjected to brutal interrogations, and dismissal.
Veterans who suffered mistreatment in the armed forces under the "gay ban" will receive up to £70,000 each.
There will have been people who would have been mentally traumatised by this
The policy lasted until the year 2000.
Some have suffered lifelong consequences, being left without access to their military pensions, shunned by family and friends and facing diminished career prospects.
Adam Lowe, treasurer at Oakham Royal British Legion, said:
"There will have been people who would have had to leave the military who will have been mentally traumatised by this."
"These people that just live their lives and to do that without persecution or accusation is really important."
"This is where the government should stand up and say, Yes, we stand shoulder to shoulder with everybody."
We stand shoulder to shoulder with everybody
The previous Conservative government accepted in full the recommendations of Lord Etherton's report into the policy in December 2023, which included a proposal for a financial awards scheme capped at £50 million.
But campaigners and charities including the Royal British Legion said the figure was "inadequate and unacceptably low" and demanded a better payout.
The Ministry of Defence said it had increased the amount after "extensive engagement with LGBT veterans".
Veterans who were dismissed or discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity are to receive £50,000.
Personnel who were "negatively affected" by the ban during their time in the service between 1967 and 2000 will be given up to another £20,000, the ministry said.
The payments will be exempt from income tax and means-tested benefits.
Veterans who lost their rank as a result can apply to have their rank restored and discharge reason amended if they wish, ministers have said.