According to reports, veterans who have been forced to leave the Army due to their sexuality can receive compensation of up to PS70,000.
In 2000, the ban on lesbians, gays and bisexuals serving in the Army ended. Transgender people are allowed to serve as of 2014.
John Healey, the Defence Secretary, will announce on 12 December that those dismissed or discharged for their sexual orientation are entitled to receive a payment of PS50,000.
Veterans or active Army personnel who have been negatively affected by the ban prior to 2000 will receive an additional payment of up to PS20,000.
The Etherton Review heard from 1,145 veterans last year and recommended compensation for those who were affected by historical bans. Rishi Sunak , the then Prime Minister of Britain, apologized to LGBT veterans for their treatment.
According to The Times, the total compensation amount will be PS75million, which is a 50% increase over the current financial recognition scheme.
It is believed that veterans will be able apply to have the rank of their discharge changed or to have it restored.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, “We regret the treatment of LGBT service personnel between 1967-2000. It was totally unacceptable and did not reflect the modern armed forces.” We are committed to ensuring that this issue is scrutinized by the parliamentary committee.
We are already implementing 38 out of 49 recommendations made by the LGBT Veterans Review. We are working closely with government experts to create a financial redress program. More details will be provided very soon.
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