The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has apologised for its historic ban on LGBT people working in the Diplomatic Service, which was originally lifted back in July 1991.
Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO and Head of the Diplomatic Service, confirmed the news in a Twitter video today.
In a message to staff, Barton said: “The ban was in place because there was a perception that LGBT 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."
“I want to apologise publicly for the ban and the impact it had on our LGBT staff and their loved ones, both here in the UK and abroad.”
“I pay tribute to all our LGBT staff - past and present - who helped secure change within the Diplomatic Service while representing their country with professionalism and dedication."
Source
Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the FCDO and Head of the Diplomatic Service, confirmed the news in a Twitter video today.
In a message to staff, Barton said: “The ban was in place because there was a perception that LGBT 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."
“I want to apologise publicly for the ban and the impact it had on our LGBT staff and their loved ones, both here in the UK and abroad.”
“I pay tribute to all our LGBT staff - past and present - who helped secure change within the Diplomatic Service while representing their country with professionalism and dedication."
Source