The Financial Recognition Scheme for LGBT veterans affected by the historical gay ban in the armed forces is fast approaching its deadline. With just over three months remaining, there is an urgent call for those who have not yet come forward to seek the compensation they deserve.
The Fighting With Pride charity has identified specific regions in Britain where a significant number of eligible veterans reside but have yet to make a claim. These areas include the North East of EnglandYorkshireSouth West England and Scotland.
The Impact of the Historical Gay Ban
Between 1967 and 2000, the gay ban subjected men and women in the army, navy, and air force to brutal interrogation, bullying, and forced discharges. The long-term impacts on their lives and careers have been profound, and the government’s financial redress scheme aims to address these injustices.
The scheme offers £50,000 discharge payments and up to £20,000 in additional impact payments. However, almost £20 million of the £75 million allocated for the scheme remains undistributed, indicating that many eligible veterans have not yet come forward.
The Battle for Lost Veterans Campaign
Fighting With Pride launched its Battle for Lost Veterans campaign in June, aiming to reach the approximately 1,000 veterans believed to be eligible but yet to make a claim. Since the campaign’s inception, 65 veterans have come forward, but only 19 of these are in areas known for high veteran populations.
Peter Gibson, the charity’s chief executive, emphasized the importance of finding every eligible veteran. “At Fighting With Pride we’re determined to find every last veteran who’s owed justice. Nobody should be left behind,” he stated. The charity is reaching out to anyone who served and suffered under the ban, urging them to apply before the deadline.
The Call for More Women Veterans to Come Forward
The charity has also highlighted the need for more women veterans to apply for the scheme. According to a judge-led inquiry, 61% of women reported mistreatment under the ban, yet less than half of those who have come forward are women.
Dawn Loynes, a Royal Navy veteran who was unlawfully dismissed in 1994, shared her story to encourage other women to come forward. “The mistreatment I experienced as a young female sailor had a profound and lasting impact on my life,” she said. Loynes emphasized the importance of recognizing and validating the experiences of those affected by the ban.
Government Support and Encouragement
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson expressed deep regret for the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000, describing it as “wholly unacceptable.” The government is committed to righting these wrongs through the Financial Recognition Scheme and is working hard to ensure veterans know about the scheme.
The spokesperson also mentioned that the government has allocated £90,000 to charities and is collaborating with local councils, the NHS, and veterans organizations to promote and support applications. The deadline for applications is December 12 and the government urges all eligible veterans to come forward before this date.
