It was 20 years ago today

[Tin basher]

Not the lyrics from the Beatles. The ending of the rule that meant just being on the other bus was a valid reason to boot you out of the services.

Veteran reveals moment she was kicked out of Navy for being a lesbian

Emma Riley, 47, (pictured aged 17) from West Sussex, served from 1990 to 1993 as a naval radio operator but was arrested and discharged for being a lesbian.

www.dailymail.co.uk

There was much crew room chatter at the time now who cares.

 

[Rocket_Ronster]

Was that the same time it became compulsory in the Navy ?

 

[timbo_66]

Weird to think that at my CIO interviews you were questioned on what you'd do if you encountered a gay serviceman/woman.

Presumably wanking him off wasn't the correct response.....

 

[dkh51250]

Weird to think that at my CIO interviews you were questioned on what you'd do if you encountered a gay serviceman/woman.

Yup, it was called "The statement of fundamental differences" It didn't just cover the question you were asked, but opened the door for further questions related to the "military lifestyle".

 

[vim_fuego]

I remember the day quite clearly...very dramatic release of the news by dragging us all in to the sqn theatre (posh name for a large room in the new building we just had moved into) and reading out the paper. Such was the mood at the time that a S/L Nav asked about sharing rooms on det with a gay chap. Our boss clearly hadn't thought about questions coming his way so stumbled out a 'I'm not sure you can refuse' to which said S/L got out of his seat, stated he wasn't sharing a room with a 'Bum Bandit' and walked out. The room then got very noisy and somewhere in that din the Boss was heard by some dismissing us and we all poked off to the mess for chips. Not one gay man pitched up in my remaining time on that fleet. Personally I couldn't have given a single sh*t if they had.

 

[SAXAVORDIAN]

Does't this still fall under a security risk being Homosexual. During the eighties there was valid reasons in regards to the cold war. I can understand why Welsh servicemen were nervous in regards to being coerced by Soviet sheep infiltration
As todays enemy are not great fans of Homosexuals either. Would a set of extra rules be added if Homosexuals being caught during conflict i.e. Islamic conflicts.

 

[Gonterseed]

Does't this still fall under a security risk being Homosexual. During the eighties there was valid reasons in regards to the cold war. I can understand why Welsh servicemen were nervous in regards to being coerced by Soviet sheep infiltration
As todays enemy are not great fans of Homosexuals either. Would a set of extra rules be added if Homosexuals being caught during conflict i.e. Islamic conflicts.

It might be a bit of a bummer if they were captured...