Charity Warns 1,000 LGBT Veterans May Miss £70,000 Gay Ban Compensation
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 22
Charity Warns 1,000 LGBT Veterans May Miss £70,000 Gay Ban Compensation
1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 22
Summary
Less than six months remain for LGBT veterans dismissed under the military's gay ban to apply for payments of £1,000 to £70,000, and Fighting With Pride says more than 1,000 may still be untraced.
The charity says shame, isolation and lack of awareness are keeping some from coming forward, especially older veterans who cut ties with both the military and LGBT communities after intrusive investigations, imprisonment or dishonourable discharge.
More than 1,500 veterans have already applied since the Ministry of Defence launched the compensation scheme in 2024, but there is no official database of those affected and parliamentary records estimated up to 2,800 were discharged.
The MoD says it deeply regrets the treatment and is working with councils, the NHS and charities to publicise both financial awards and restorative measures such as rank restoration, returned medals and the Etherton Ribbon.
Is the UK's reparation scheme for its 'gay ban' unfairly penalizing veterans who resigned under duress?
With a deadline near, how can over 1,000 'lost' LGBT veterans be found to receive their rightful compensation?
Justice Denied? Mounting Pressure and Legal Battles Over the UK LGBT Veterans Compensation Scheme
Overview
As of May 2025, the UK's LGBT Veterans Compensation Scheme is struggling with persistent delays and extended processing times, causing widespread disappointment among affected veterans. The Ministry of Defence’s careful and thorough approach to application checks, especially for complex cases, has slowed the process, leading to ongoing frustration. Mounting pressure from advocates and political figures highlights the urgent need for improvement. These operational challenges mean that many eligible veterans are still waiting for the support they deserve, intensifying calls for a more efficient and compassionate resolution to address historical injustices.