The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has issued an apology for implementing a ban on LGBTQ+ staff which was repealed in 1991.
On Monday (July 5), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office published an apology for its “misguided” ban of LGBTQ+ staff.
Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO and Head of the Diplomatic Service, shared a message to staff: “The ban was in place because there was a perception that LGBTQ+ people were more susceptible than their straight counterparts to blackmail and, therefore, that they posed a security risk.
“Because of this misguided view, people’s careers were ended, cut short, or stopped before they could even begin.
“And the diplomatic service undoubtedly deprived itself of some of the UK’s brightest and best talent.
“I want to apologise publicly for the ban and the impact it had on our LGBTQ+ staff and their loved ones, both here in the UK and abroad.”
In his statement, the Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO made sure to highlight the changes undertaken by the FCDO to become a “diverse and inclusive employer” in the 30 years since the end of the ban, alongside efforts made to champion LGBTQ+ rights internationally.
“In the 30 years since the ban was lifted, the FCDO has made great progress in becoming a proud and inclusive employer of LGBT people, and a champion for LGBTQ+ rights around the world,” Barton said.
“I pay tribute to all our LGBTQ+ staff – past and present – who helped secure change within the Diplomatic Service, while representing their country with professionalism and dedication.
I thank them for the contributions they have made, and continue to make.”
The post FCDO formally apologises for “misguided” ban on LGBTQ+ staff appeared first on GAY TIMES.
FCDO formally apologises for “misguided” ban on LGBTQ+ staff
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has issued an apology for implementing a ban on LGBTQ+ staff which was repealed in 1991.
On Monday (July 5), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office published an apology for its “misguided” ban of LGBTQ+ staff.
Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO and Head of the Diplomatic Service, shared a message to staff: “The ban was in place because there was a perception that LGBTQ+ people were more susceptible than their straight counterparts to blackmail and, therefore, that they posed a security risk.
“Because of this misguided view, people’s careers were ended, cut short, or stopped before they could even begin.
“And the diplomatic service undoubtedly deprived itself of some of the UK’s brightest and best talent.
“I want to apologise publicly for the ban and the impact it had on our LGBTQ+ staff and their loved ones, both here in the UK and abroad.”
In his statement, the Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO made sure to highlight the changes undertaken by the FCDO to become a “diverse and inclusive employer” in the 30 years since the end of the ban, alongside efforts made to champion LGBTQ+ rights internationally.
“In the 30 years since the ban was lifted, the FCDO has made great progress in becoming a proud and inclusive employer of LGBT people, and a champion for LGBTQ+ rights around the world,” Barton said.
“I pay tribute to all our LGBTQ+ staff – past and present – who helped secure change within the Diplomatic Service, while representing their country with professionalism and dedication.
I thank them for the contributions they have made, and continue to make.”
The post FCDO formally apologises for “misguided” ban on LGBTQ+ staff appeared first on GAY TIMES.
Post a Comment