The first Etherton Ribbons, to acknowledge the mistreatment of
those affected by the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the Armed
Forces, were presented to veterans by the Ministry of Defence
today.
During a symbolic ceremony, the Secretary of State for Defence
MP and Minister for Veterans
and People Alastair Carns OBE MC MP presented ribbons to three
veterans. This is part of the new Government's commitment to
right the wrongs of the past and deliver the recommendations of
Lord Etherton's review into the historic treatment of LGBT
veterans.
Emma Riley, who served as a Royal Naval radio operator, Stephen
Close, who served in the Army and former RAF firefighter Carl
Austin-Behan OBE DL were the first three veterans to receive the
Etherton Ribbon.
The ribbon acknowledges those affected by the Ban on LGBT
personnel serving in the UK Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.
The special design – which can be worn as a pin - was created by
LGBT veterans and others affected by the ban; current serving
LGBT personnel and representatives of relevant charities. It
represents the commitment and sacrifices made in service by LGBT
veterans, the suffering caused by the historic policy and the
strength shown by those who stood against it.
Defence Secretary MP said:
I am proud to present Carl, Stephen and Emma with the very first
Etherton Ribbon. It symbolises the unique contribution that our
LGBT veterans have made to national security, and acknowledges
the treatment they suffered.
The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was utterly unacceptable
and has no place in today's Armed Forces. I want to be the first
of this government's Ministers to say a deep and profound sorry.
We are determined to right those wrongs and renew the nation's
contract with those who serve and have served.
Minister for Veterans and People OBE MC MP said:
The Etherton review was an important step in acknowledging the
wrongs of the past.
The presentation of the Etherton Ribbon demonstrates the
Government's commitment to delivering on all the recommendations,
including restorative measures, providing LGBT veterans
recognition they deserve.
We are committed to ensuring all our veterans who helped keep
Britain secure at home and strong abroad receive the respect and
support they need.
The independent LGBT Veterans Independent Review, chaired by
, and commissioned by the
Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined
the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted
by the Ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces. The review was
published in July 2023.
The Government has completed 32 of the 49 recommendations and
work continues at pace to fulfil the recommendations that remain,
including financial redress.
Following the ceremony, the Defence ministers spoke with veterans
and current LGBT personnel about their experiences and life in
today's Armed Forces.
