SSAFA Controller welcomes new MOD scheme to restore lost honours to LGBT service members

16 February 2021

Ex-military personnel dismissed from the armed forces because of their sexuality can now reclaim lost medals. Under a new scheme to remedy historical injustices, former service personnel can apply to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to restore honours.

Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Richard Gregory, KBE, CB, DL, Patron of Fighting with Pride and Chief Executive of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity said: “We very much welcome the announcement by the Government that work is underway to examine and understand the wide-ranging impact of pre-2000 practices in the Armed Forces in relation to sexuality.

“It is difficult to comprehend that such a short time ago it was possible for a serving member of the Armed Forces to be stripped of their beret and medals and made to feel ashamed of their service when their only perceived crime was their gender orientation or sexual identity. Righting the wrongs of the past will be a long and difficult journey but one that Fighting with Pride and SSAFA are there to support those going through the process.”