We understand that the process for applying for the Non-Financial Restorative Measures or the Financial Recognition Scheme can feel daunting and triggering for many of the veterans impacted by the ‘Gay Ban’.
Our team of Veteran Community Workers are ready to help you. They understand the schemes and the process for making an application and can assist that process in every step.
They will support and advise you in the best way to proceed to ensure your application is submitted in time and is prepared in a way that gives you the best chance of success.
The Government commissioned the LGBT Veterans’ Independent Review in 2022 to better understand the experiences, impacts and implications of the pre-2000 policy. Chaired by the late Lord Etherton, the report was published on 19th July 2023 and brought together the story of the Ban with 1,128 testimonies shared in a Call for Evidence.
Lord Etherton made 49 recommendations, covering non-financial and financial reparations. The then Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, made a formal apology on behalf of the British state to all those affected by the Ban, with the Government accepting all of the recommendations.
Key recommendations included the delivery of 14 non-financial restorative measures, ranging from the Etherton Ribbon, Service Chiefs’ apology letters to rank restoration and qualification of administrative discharge. In December 2024 the Government launched the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, to recognise the broad range of ways veterans were impacted by the Ban.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Apology on behalf of the state given during Prime Ministers Question Time, 19 July 2023. The Prime Minister said:
“The ban on LGBT people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state – decades behind the law of this land.”
“As today’s report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment while bravely serving this country.”
“Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise, and I hope all those affected will be able to feel part of the proud veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe.”
23:59, 12th December 2026
