Trailblazing judge Lord Etherton’s candid insights into the former ban on LGBT individuals in the British armed forces were disclosed posthumously. Actor and peer Michael Cashman delivered a lecture penned by Lord Etherton prior to his passing in May last year at the Imperial War Museum. Lord Etherton’s lecture highlighted the prevalent “institutional homophobia” and distressing findings he encountered during his investigation into the ban, which remained in effect until 2000.
He detailed a culture of homophobia, bullying, blackmail, sexual assaults, and discriminatory practices, including conversion therapy and unwarranted discharges, with severe repercussions on mental health, homelessness, employment, relationships, and financial stability. Lord Etherton criticized the Ministry of Defence and senior ranks for harboring institutional homophobia that facilitated abusive and intrusive investigations by the Special Investigations Branch.
The discussion comes amidst ongoing concerns about the delayed compensation payments for those impacted by the ban. To date, 1,312 individuals have sought financial reparations, with 986 applications for discharge payments and 1053 applications for impact payments. However, as of December 15th, only a fraction of these applications had been processed.
Lord Cashman, known for his groundbreaking role in featuring the first on-screen same-sex kiss in a soap opera in 1989, read Lord Etherton’s lecture at an event hosted by actor Russell Tovey, with Lord Etherton’s husband in attendance.
Peter Gibson, CEO of Fighting With Pride, emphasized the urgency of swiftly delivering reparations to the veterans affected by the ban, highlighting the need for the Ministry of Defence to honor its commitment and expedite the compensation process. Gibson encouraged rejected applicants to seek legal advice and assistance to ensure justice is served.
The imperative of honoring Lord Etherton’s legacy and providing timely reparations now rests with the Ministry of Defence, as emphasized by Gibson, underscoring the importance of fulfilling the promises made to those who suffered under the discriminatory policy.