LONDON, Sept. 3 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Veteransdischarged orimpactedby the ban on LGBT personnel in the armed forceshave 100 days left to apply for the government's restorative measures.
The measures were introducedfollowingan independent reviewonthe impactof theban onLGBTpersonnel servingin the UKArmed Forces between 1967 and 2000.
The government is nowissuing a final callat GOV.UK/affected-by-the-ban toeligible veteransbeforetheapplicationdeadline closeson 12 December.
DefenceSecretary Wes Streeting said:
No one should face persecution or have to hide who they are. The ban caused lasting harm to many brave personnel who served our country.
I hope all eligible veterans come forward before the application deadline closes in 100days, andurge everybody across our armed forces and LGBT+ communities to spread the word.
Eligible veterans dismissed or discharged because of the ban can receive a financial recognition payment of £50,000. Veterans may also beeligiblefor an Impact Payment of up to £20,000 if they experiencedother harms such as investigations,harassmentor disciplinary action.
Minister for Equalities, Simon Lightwood MP, said:
LGBT+ veterans beingremoved fromor banned from joining the armed forces is a shameful chapter in our country's history.
This government wants to ensure what they went through is properly recognised; it must never happen again. Veterans affected have just 100 days left to apply forrecognition.It is up to all of us to spread the word and make sure they get the justice they deserve.
Non-financial restorative measuresincludethe opportunity to receive an official letter of apology,replacementserviceitemsanda restoration ceremony.
Jean served in theBritishArmy with the Women's Royal Army Corps as a physical training instructor.
Her military career was cut short after she was investigated under the Armed Forces LGBT Ban. The experience had a lasting impact on her confidence,identityand sense of self-worth, and affected her life long after she left the Army.
Jean has since applied for restorative measures and says the process, while difficult at times, helped her begin to speak about what happened and recognise that the shame was never hers to carry.
Jean said:
When your country turns its back on you, you just feel worthless.
Jean is now encouraging others affected by the ban to come forward before the 12 December application deadline. She said:
Please come forward. Youdon'thave to do this on your own, and there issupportto help you through it.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
