Royal British Legion Apologises for Past LGBTQ+ Discrimination

THE GUARDIAN: Head of veterans’ charity responds to criticism levelled by human rights campaigner 15 years ago

The Royal British Legion has apologised for its historical refusal to acknowledge the sacrifices of LGBTQ+ British military personnel.

For decades, campaigners have accused the organisation of homophobia, claiming it sought to erase LGBTQ+ people’s contributions to British war efforts and to actively oppose queer remembrance efforts. Now, in a letter seen exclusively by the Guardian, the organisation has tried to make amends.

The note came in response to correspondence from the human rights activist Peter Tatchell, who reminded the Royal British Legion (RBL) late last year that he had written to it back in 2007 to complain about the same stance. But, he said, it had declined even to answer.

“I am deeply saddened by your previous experience with the charity, and I can only apologise on RBL’s behalf for not responding and the discrimination shown at the time,” the charity’s director general, Charles Byrne, wrote to Tatchell last week. » Kevin Rawlinson | Tuesday, April 19, 2022