Image source, Mark ShephardImage caption, Mark Shephard said he was interrogated over his sexuality while serving in the RAF from 1995 to 2001ByBea SwallowWest of EnglandPublished7 April 2026 Two military veterans who "suffered enduring harm" due to a ban on LGBT personnel in the armed forces have launched legal action against the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Mark Shephard, from Taunton, Somerset, and Steven Stewart, from south-west England, claim they were effectively forced to resign from the military due to their sexuality. The pair were later denied full compensation as they were not formally discharged, despite feeling compelled to leave "by way of an ultimatum", their lawyer said. The two men are now legally disputing the rules of the MoD's LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme – which offers up to £70,000 to those discharged under the ban. Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is representing the men, confirmed that a legal claim had been filed but said no date had been set for a hearing.
Published: April 7, 2026 6:00 pm
Source: BBC — Read original