British LGBTQ veterans were subjected to conversion therapy and witch hunts, report says
- A government-commissioned review details ‘culture of homophobia’ that pervaded the British military for decades, urges PM Rishi Sunak to apologise
- The study, which recommend compensating those affected, adds to the litany of evidence in recent months of discrimination within UK groups, businesses
The study – slated for publication in the first half of June and seen by Bloomberg – details accounts of electric-shock conversion therapy, intrusive medical examinations and witch-hunts of anyone suspected of being gay in the military during more than three decades through to 2000, when a ban on gay personnel serving in the military was lifted.
The report includes evidence of bullying, blackmail and sexual assaults as well as detailing the significant toll on the mental health of veterans that in some cases led to homelessness and suicide.
One of its core recommendations is for Sunak to make a public apology in Parliament for the historic policy, according to people familiar with the matter who said the premier’s office has received the submission.
[It is a] stain on the illustrious history of the UK’s armed forces
A spokesperson for the government said it would “carefully consider the findings and respond in due course”. They did not say whether the prime minister would accept the recommendation.