The initiative aims to reach veterans impacted by the ban, which led to careers being cut short and resulted in experiences such as harassment, invasive investigations, physical or sexual assaults, and imprisonment. The government and HM Armed Forces have issued apologies for the policy and its implementation.
Eligible veterans can apply for the Financial Recognition Scheme, offering payments up to £70,000 based on their experiences, and the Non-Financial Restorative Measures Scheme. The latter allows affected veterans to apply for measures including the return of their beret, removal of administrative discharge dishonours, and a restorative measures service ceremony.
Since the schemes launched in 2024, over 1,800 veterans have applied for financial recognition. The Ministry of Defence is intensifying efforts to reach all eligible veterans before the schemes close on 12 December 2026.
Vince Maple, Medway Council leader, emphasised the importance of affected individuals reaching out for the offered measures. He stated, “The LGBT ban caused untold harm, denying thousands of people a career and causing physical and psychological damage to many veterans. Both the Financial Recognition Scheme and the Non-Financial Restorative Measures Scheme go some way to redressing this damage, but also send an important message that the UK’s armed forces have become far more inclusive.”
Maple added, “In Medway we are equally proud of our historic connection to the armed forces and the LGBT community, and bringing them closer together can only strengthen and enrich our society, culture and country.”
More information is available at AffectedByTheBan.Campaign.gov.uk.
