On 13 December 2023, Defence launched the ‘Application and Registration of Interest’ forms for those affected by the historic policy prohibiting LGBT personnel from Serving in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000 to apply to restorative measures.
The measures range from acknowledgements such as individual apology letters to permanent amendments to records which remove dishonour from veterans’ records, such as providing replacement Certificates of Service.
Please contact lgbt-restorativeaction@mod.gov.uk if you have any questions.
Background
Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs commissioned the LGBT Veterans Independent Review in 2022 to better understand the experiences, impacts and implications of the 1967-2000 policy, where there was a Ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed Forces.
The Government published its response to Lord Etherton’s LGBT Veterans Independent Review on 13 December 2023 and outlined the restorative measures and steps being taken by the Government. More information on how to apply, including wider support, is on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page.
Where are we now?
On the day of the Government’s response, MOD launched the ‘Application and Registration of Interest’ forms for those affected to apply to restorative measures on the LGBT Veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK page.
The measures include individual apology letters, medal restoration, removing the dishonour from veterans’ records and providing replacement Certificates of Service.
The Government continues to work at pace to deliver against the recommendations having completed 30 of the 49 (as of 08th Aug). More measures will become available later this year.
MOD have designed this guide for those applying for restorative measures.
The Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs jointly commissioned the LGBT Veterans Independent Review to better understand the impacts of the homosexuality ban in our HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000, in response to the recommendations the Government is delivering a number of restorative measures.
The measures include individual apology letters, medal restoration, removing the dishonour from veterans’ records and providing replacement Certificates of Service. More measures will become available later this year.
To check if you or someone you know would be eligible, visit www.gov.uk/LGBT-veterans.
Please contact lgbt-restorativeaction@mod.gov.uk if you have any questions or wish to discuss communications options further.
