The explosive findings of the judge who led the official inquiry into the UK's historic ban on LGBT people serving in the armed forces have been made public for the first time, nine months after his death.
A Legacy Lecture Delivered Posthumously
Lord Etherton, the trailblazing former judge, died in May last year before he could personally deliver a key lecture detailing his conclusions. His words were finally heard at London's Imperial War Museum, delivered by actor and fellow peer, Michael Cashman. The event was hosted by actor Russell Tovey, with Lord Etherton's husband, Andrew, in attendance.
In the powerful address, Etherton laid bare the "institutional homophobia" he uncovered while preparing his landmark report into the ban, which was not lifted until the year 2000. He described a systemic culture of persecution that went far beyond official policy.
Shocking Evidence of Systemic Abuse
The lecture catalogued a harrowing list of abuses suffered by LGBT service personnel. Etherton spoke of a culture rife with homophobia, bullying, blackmail, and sexual assaults. He detailed abusive investigations into sexuality, "disgraceful medical examinations" that included conversion therapy practices, and peremptory discharges that ruined lives.
The consequences for veterans were devastating. Etherton highlighted appalling impacts on mental health, well-being, and personal finances, leading to homelessness, broken relationships, and severe employment difficulties.
He stated that the homophobic policy endorsed by the Ministry of Defence and senior military leaders effectively gave a "free hand" to the Special Investigations Branch, leading to what he called "obsessive and usually abusive, brutal, and bullying investigations."
Compensation Delays Compound the Injustice
The revelation of Etherton's full views comes amid growing concern over the painfully slow pace of the government's compensation scheme for those affected. Official figures show that, as of December 15th, only 667 out of 986 applications for discharge payments had been decided.
The situation for impact payments is even worse. Less than a third of the 1,053 applications submitted have reached a conclusion, leaving hundreds of veterans in limbo.
Peter Gibson, CEO of the charity Fighting With Pride, issued a stern warning. "Too many have suffered unimaginable horrors and pain under a brutal policy brutally implemented by the British State," he said. He urged the MoD to live up to its apology and deliver reparations swiftly, noting that veterans are being forced to relive their trauma during the claims process.
Gibson also revealed troubling new hurdles: "We're now seeing cases being rejected, in some instances for no apparent reason." He urged any veteran whose claim has been rejected to contact the charity for legal support to appeal.
"No one wants to look back and see that Lord Etherton's wishes were not followed both to the letter and in spirit," Gibson concluded. "The delivery of that legacy rests with the Ministry Of Defence. They know what they need to do."
