The candid opinions of the pioneering judge who investigated the prohibition on LGBT individuals in the British armed forces were disclosed last night – nearly a year after his passing.
Actor and peer Michael Cashman presented a speech penned by Lord Etherton before his demise in May last year at the Imperial War Museum.
During the lecture, he detailed the existence of “institutional homophobia” and “disturbing evidence” he encountered while conducting his inquiry into the ban, which was enforced until 2000.
He highlighted a pattern of homophobia, bullying, coercion, and sexual assaults, along with unjust investigations into sexual orientation and preferences, degrading medical assessments including conversion therapy, abrupt discharges, and severe repercussions on mental health, homelessness, employment, relationships, and finances.
He further stated that the entrenched homophobia within the Ministry of Defence and senior ranks of the Armed Forces permitted intrusive and often abusive investigations by the Special Investigations Branch.
Amid ongoing concerns about the delayed disbursement of compensations to those impacted by the ban, it was revealed that 1,312 individuals have sought financial reparations. Of these, 986 applied for discharge payments, of which only 667 have been processed as of December 15th. Additionally, less than a third of the 1,053 applications for impact payments have been finalized.
Lord Cashman, known for his role in Eastenders where he featured in the first televised same-sex kiss in a soap opera in 1989, presented Lord Etherton’s lecture at an event hosted by actor Russell Tovey, with Andrew Etherton, Lord Etherton’s husband, in attendance.
Peter Gibson, CEO of Fighting With Pride, emphasized the urgency of the Ministry of Defence fulfilling its promise of compensation swiftly to the affected individuals. He urged Veterans who have faced rejections to seek legal assistance, emphasizing the importance of not missing the opportunity to appeal.
Gibson stressed the importance of honoring Lord Etherton’s legacy, placing the responsibility on the Ministry Of Defence to take appropriate actions.
For a quick update on valued news, select Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.
