British Gay Veterans Can Now Apply To Reclaim Lost Medals

Posted by: Kyeyune Andrew Jonathan in World news February 16, 2021

Former British military members who were dismissed from service due to their sexuality are now able to reclaim lost medals. The Ministry of Defense said it wanted to address a ‘’historical wrong’’ with the launch of the scheme.

Until 2000, gay people were not allowed to serve in the military.

‘’Prior to 2000, a number of armed forces personnel were discharged from service on the basis of their sexuality,’’ a statement on the GOV.UK website says.

It also said some of them received convictions under specified legislation for homosexual behavior that has now been de-criminalized. Others, however, were discharged solely on the basis of their sexuality, without any conviction.

During their discharge, some of them either forfeited their medals directly. Others were prevented from continuing to serve. This therefore denied them the ability to regain medals that were previously forfeited for unrelated reasons.

The MoD said it is committed to addressing this historical wrong and is introducing a policy that enables individuals to apply to have their medals restored.

Under the scheme, affected former personnel can apply to have their case reviewed by the defense council. If successful, the applicant will receive a new medal from the MoD’s Medal Office. Relatives of affected ex-military members, who have died since are also able to apply for a review.

This move comes after Falklands veteran, Joe Ousalice successfully took the MoD to court to have his medal returned. He claimed he was forced to leave the Royal Navy because of his sexuality.

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