UK gay veterans win compensation as government calls their treatment a ‘moral stain’ on nation

LONDON — British military veterans who were discharged or suffered other forms of discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity will receive up to 70,000 pounds under a government compensation program announced Thursday. “The historic treatment of LGBT veterans was a moral stain on our nation,’’ Defense Secretary John Healey said in announcing the compensation. “Our government is determined to right the wrongs of the past and recognize the hurt that too many endured.’’ Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year apologized for the past mistreatment of gay service members and accepted the recommendations of an independent review, including the principle of financial compensation. “In my years of serving, I watched many of my colleagues marched away by the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police, and I watched that happen with great sadness,’’ Jones said.