Were you affected by the Armed Forces LGBT Ban?

The 'Ban’ not only led to LGBT personnel having their careers cut short through no fault of their own but also led to inexcusable experiences including harassment, invasive investigations, physical or sexual assaults and imprisonment.

The Government and HM Armed Forces have apologised for the historic policy and its implementation, and Defence have been providing recognition to those affected through the Financial Recognition Scheme and the Non-Financial Restorative Measures Scheme. Veterans are able to apply for payments of up to £70,000 through the Financial Recognition Scheme, depending on their experiences, and all veterans affected by the Ban can apply for restorative measures including the return of their beret, the removal of dishonour from administrative discharges and a service ceremony in which restorative measures are presented to them through the Non-Financial Restorative Measures Scheme. 

Over 1,700 veterans have applied for Financial Recognition to date and Defence is committed to continuing to ensure it does all it can to reach as many eligible veterans as possible before the scheme closes on 12 December 2026. 

To find out more, visit affectedbytheban.campaign.gov.uk