Government to apologise to LGBTQ+ veterans forced out of ADF
Defence Force will apologise to LGBTQ+ veterans discharged for their sexual identity, with laws now allowing convictions to be erased.
Army veteran David Gibson was interrogated in 1989 about his sexuality, pressured to resign, and marched off the base after visiting a gay nightclub. The ADF banned LGBTQ+ soldiers for decades under rules adopted from 1903 British military law, with penalties stiffened in 1985 to threaten termination and prosecution.
The Defence Force Discipline Amendment Bill, passed in September, allows personnel convicted of historical homosexual offences to have charges erased and receive a Certificate of Honourable Service. Family members can also seek record changes for deceased loved ones.
The government plans to deliver its apology later this year, and a permanent display at the Australian War Memorial is being considered. Veterans and advocates are pushing for a compensation scheme, noting that most affected personnel served in the 1960s and 70s and have already passed away.
Australia lags behind the UK, Germany, Spain, and Canada.
- 1989
- Interrogation year
- 1985
- Penalties stiffened
- Meridian Club, Canberra
- Venue
- David Gibson
- Veteran
Why it mattersDiscrimination destroyed careers and damaged mental health for LGBTQ+ veterans. An apology and compensation scheme restore dignity and recognise a historical wrong.
AustraliaAustralian veterans who were discharged for their sexual identity will have their service records corrected and may receive government recognition and support. This affects a community that has waited four decades for acknowledgement.
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