Veterans sue the Ministry of Defence over historic LGBTQ+ ban payouts
Two former soldiers were forced out for being gay (Stock image via Getty Images)
Two armed forces veterans are suing the Ministry of Defence over payouts following the historic ban on LGBTQ+ people in the military.
Mark Shephard and Steven Stewart claimed that they “suffered enduring harm” after they were effectively forced to resign from the military for being queer “by way of ultimatum”.
In 2024, the UK government announced a LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, which would financially compensate LGBTQ+ veterans who were ejected from the military due to their sexuality.
However, as Shephard and Stewart were not formally discharged they were denied the full compensation.
What is the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme?
The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme offers up to £70,000, with £50,000 going to applicants who were fired due to the ban, and a further £20,000 being available for those who faced additional impacts like criminal records or abusive questioning or interrogation.
Shephard and Stewart received just £5,000 and £7,000 respectively, sums that were determined by an independent panel, and their applications for larger payments were denied and appeals dismissed.
Speaking to the BBC on 19 February, Shephard shared that he served in the Royal Air Force from 1995 until 2001. In 1999, he was questioned about his sexuality and told that he could face dismissal or voluntarily resign and work his notice period.
“I felt like I was driven out of the career I trained hard to achieve and excelled at,” he said. “Nothing will ever make up for what many people had to go through. This action isn’t about the money but ensuring those who had to give up their military lives and careers get the justice they’re entitled to.”
‘I had done nothing wrong, but I was left with no real choice’
Stewart served in the Royal Military Police from 1988 until 1995, and claims that he was arrested, interviewed under caution and removed from his unit over his sexuality, which he said he was “confused” about at the time.
He ultimately resigned after being told that he could face a court-martial and potential prison sentence.
“I had done nothing wrong, but I was left with no real choice,” he told the BBC on 7 April.
“Leaving under those circumstances was devastating. My military career ended overnight. The impact of that decision has stayed with me ever since. I rebuilt my life, but what happened has stayed with me for nearly three decades. It affected my confidence, my relationships and how I saw myself.”
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