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Written Question
Armed Forces: LGBT+ People
Thursday 23rd January 2025

Asked by: Lord Watson of Invergowrie (Labour - Life peer)

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to mark the 25th anniversary of the lifting of the LGBT+ ban in the armed forces.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

To commemorate this historic milestone, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Fighting with Pride held events for both Serving personnel and veterans over the weekend of 12 January and have plans to host more throughout 2025.

During the weekend of 12 January, the design for the LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial was announced at an evening reception. The RAF Church St Clement Danes held a service of commemoration to mark the 25th anniversary and an evening reception with Ministers and all three Service Chiefs was held. Additionally, the pride flag was proudly flown from MOD Main Building throughout the weekend.

Throughout the rest of 2025 all three Services have planned 25th Anniversary Dinners; Defence and veterans will be participating in various Pride events; and the official unveiling of the LGBT Armed Forces Community Memorial at the National Arboretum will be marked by an event.