A long-awaited report on historic homophobia in the UK armed forces has uncovered distressing evidence of electroshock treatment and other forms of abuse inflicted on gay soldiers. The review, conducted by Lord Etherton independently of the government and armed forces, documents the experiences of LGBTQ+ military personnel between 1967 and 2000, a period marked by discrimination and the ban on gay soldiers serving in the military. The report, originally submitted to the government for review and response, is now expected to be delayed, raising concerns about the visibility of its findings.
Electroshock Treatment and Conversion Therapy
The report reveals harrowing details of electroshock treatment and so-called “conversion therapy” forced upon gay military staff. Anonymous testimonies included in the report describe victims having electrodes attached to their heads, being shown images of women, and enduring shocks that left physical marks on their skin. These accounts shed light on the extent of the abuse and trauma inflicted on LGBTQ+ individuals within the armed forces.
Impact on LGBTQ+ Veterans
More than 1,150 veterans came forward to share their experiences of the ban on gay soldiers, detailing how it devastated their lives and caused loss of careers, homes, families, and lifelong trauma. The delay in publishing the report and concerns about it being buried during the long Commons recess have been met with criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who emphasize the importance of providing closure and justice to these veterans.
Culture of Homophobia and Abuse
According to the report obtained by Bloomberg, a pervasive culture of homophobia existed at all levels of the UK armed forces during the period under review. Conversion therapy was offered as a means to cure same-sex attraction, with incidents reported as recently as the 1990s. Other victims shared stories of being sexually assaulted by senior staff, facing dismissal when they complained, or being blackmailed with threats of outing their sexual orientation.
Apology and Compensation
The report reportedly calls for an official apology from the Tory government to LGBTQ+ veterans for the policies that facilitated their mistreatment. It also suggests compensation for lost earnings and pensions, potentially amounting to six-figure sums for some veterans. However, until the report is fully published and the government responds, the exact course of action regarding compensation remains uncertain.
The Way Forward
The lifting of the ban on LGBTQ+ individuals serving in the military in 2000 marked a significant step towards inclusivity. However, the report’s findings underscore the need for accountability and redress for the past injustices suffered by LGBTQ+ military personnel. It is crucial for the government to publicly acknowledge the abuse and discrimination endured by these individuals, provide compensation where appropriate, and take steps to ensure such incidents never happen again.
