Campaigners are urging the government to publish the findings of a review into the treatment of LGBT veterans who were forced out of the military due to being gay. Until 2000, it was illegal to be gay in the British armed forces, with over 5,000 veterans thought to have been affected. The independent review, led by Lord Etherton, was launched last year, and veterans who gave evidence are growing concerned that the report has not yet been published.
At an event at London's Imperial War Museum on Thursday evening, veterans including Carol Morgan had hoped for an update. However, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer and Lord Etherton gave speeches but released no new details or timeframe for publication. The BBC has been told that some attendees left the room upset and distressed.
Caroline Paige, co-director of military charity Fighting With Pride, told BBC Breakfast: 'They're really distressing experiences that they've had to reach back into to provide that evidence so they can move forward, and if the report isn't seen by them, they can't see that step forward.' She expressed fears that progress could 'slow down' without a publication date.
A government spokesperson confirmed that Lord Etherton had submitted his report and said: 'In line with the terms of reference, we will carefully consider the findings and respond in due course.' They added that they were 'proud' and 'grateful' for LGBT people's service. Many veterans dismissed under the ban still hold criminal records and are ineligible for pensions.
Carol Morgan, who was dismissed from the army in 1978 after a four-day investigation into her sexuality, said her life was 'robbed' by the ban. She hopes Lord Etherton's recommendations will lead to an apology, compensation, and reinstatement of her pension. 'I live from week to week,' she explained.
Trevor Skingle, who served from 1974 to 1979, attempted suicide due to the pressure of hiding his sexuality and was dismissed after revealing it. He is also ineligible for any pension from his service.
