The candid opinions of a pioneering judge who investigated the ban on LGBT individuals in the British armed forces were disclosed last night, nearly nine months after his passing. Actor and peer Michael Cashman presented a lecture written by Lord Etherton prior to his demise in May of the previous year at the Imperial War Museum.
During the lecture, Lord Etherton highlighted the presence of “institutional homophobia” and the “disturbing evidence” he uncovered while conducting his inquiry into the ban, which was enforced until the year 2000. He outlined a culture permeated by homophobia, bullying, coercion, sexual assaults, invasive investigations into sexual orientation and preferences, degrading medical assessments including conversion therapy, abrupt discharges, and severe repercussions affecting mental health, well-being, housing, employment, personal relationships, and financial stability.
He further emphasized that the entrenched homophobia within the policy of the Ministry of Defence and senior ranks of the Armed Forces facilitated aggressive and abusive investigations by the Special Investigations Branch. This discourse coincides with ongoing concerns about the delayed compensation payouts to those impacted by the ban.
A total of 1,312 individuals have submitted requests for financial reparations, including 986 applications for discharge payments. As of December 15th, only 667 of these applications had been processed, with less than one-third of the 1,053 applications for impact payments reaching a decision.
Lord Cashman, known for portraying a character in Eastenders involved in the first televised same-sex kiss in a soap opera in 1989, delivered Lord Etherton’s lecture at an event hosted by actor Russell Tovey, with Lord Etherton’s husband, Andrew, in attendance.
Peter Gibson, CEO of Fighting With Pride, expressed the urgency for the Ministry of Defence to promptly fulfill its commitment to provide reparations to those affected by the ban. He highlighted the need to address the suffering endured by many individuals due to the implementation of a harsh policy by the British government. Gibson urged veterans to seek assistance from specialized LGBTQ+ Armed Forces charities, such as Fighting With Pride, to navigate the legal process and secure justice.
The importance of honoring Lord Etherton’s legacy was underscored, emphasizing the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence to adhere to his wishes both in letter and spirit. The call for expedited compensation payments to affected individuals was reiterated, stressing the need for swift action to address the injustices of the past.