Only heterosexual people were allowed to serve in the British army until the turn of the century, and troops whose sexuality was discovered often saw their honors removed before being discharged.
They can now apply to have it reset.
This comes after a legitimate campaign by Falklands War veteran Joe Ousalice, who was forced by the Royal Navy in 1993 because he was bisexual, and who experienced poverty upon his return to the country.
He had earlier told the BBC that when his superiors discovered his sexuality, ‘they[die medalje]with a large pair of scissors cut off from my chest. ‘
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote in a tweet on Tuesday: ‘Those who serve in our military deserve every recognition for their service.
“It was a great injustice that some members were denied it simply because of their sexuality. I am very happy that we can now address this historical injustice.”
LGBTQ groups welcomed the move, but urged the government to go further and address other consequences facing people fired for their sexuality.
“It is unfortunate that some members of the military have been treated in a way that would not be acceptable today because of their sexuality,” Defense Secretary Annabel Goldie said in a statement.
“Due to disciplinary action and their dismissal from service, some staff forfeited medals they had earned, and others were denied the opportunity to continue with service that could lead to the recovery of medals forfeited for various reasons.”
The Ministry of Defense said it was “committed to addressing this historic injustice” and encouraged veterans to apply. Family members can apply on behalf of a former gang that has died.
LGBTQ campaigners have urged ministers to also address claims for compensation, lost pension rights, the mental health of veterans and other issues facing people who fell victim to the legislation before 2000.
“This is the first step in recognizing wider recovery,” said LGBTQ service group Fighting With Pride. “Our goal is to ensure that the impact of all historical transgressions is recognized and addressed appropriately, not just the return of medals.”
Over the past few years, the British government has taken into account the consequences of a number of historically homophobic laws.
In 2016, the UK government announced that thousands of gay and bisexual men convicted under the now-abolished Sexual Offenses Act would be pardoned posthumously.
The proposal was called the ‘Turing Law’ – named after World War II code-breaker Alan Turing, who killed himself in 1954 after being subjected to chemical castration as punishment for homosexual activities.