Dismissed LGBT veterans can apply to reclaim confiscated medals

Former military members who were dismissed from service because of their sexuality are now able to reclaim lost medals. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said it wanted to address a “historical wrong” with the launch of the scheme. Gay people were not allowed to serve in the military until a rule change in 2000. A statement on the GOV.UK website says: “Prior to 2000, a number of armed forces personnel were discharged from service on the basis of their sexuality. “Some received convictions under specified legislation for homosexual behaviour that has now been de-criminalised, while others were discharged solely on the basis of their sexuality, without any conviction. “In the course of their discharge, some personnel either forfeited medals directly, or were prevented from continuing to serve and thus denied the ability to regain medals that might previously have been forfeited for unrelated reasons.