Britain Upholds Ban on Gays in Military
Britain’s High Court upheld a ban on homosexuals in the armed forces Wednesday by dismissing test cases brought by three gay men and a lesbian.
But Lord Justice Simon Brown, in his landmark verdict, expressed sympathy for the four former service people, called on Parliament to review the ban and forecast that its days could be numbered.
“The tide of history is against the Ministry [of Defense]. Prejudices are breaking down, old barriers are being removed,” Brown said.
“It seems to me improbable, whatever this court may say, that the existing policy can survive much longer.”
The Ministry of Defense argues that homosexuality could undermine the efficiency and morale of Britain’s fighting forces.
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