Quick Links

news
public forum
(read this first)
military documents
civil partnership
lifestyle
advice and help
interviews
networking
finance
shopping
humour
gallery
guestbook
contact us
links
search
site updates

RN homepage
Army homepage
RAF homepage

advertise on
proud2serve

news

top stories
items in the forum
news sites
press releases
interviews

FOCUS article
Blair in attitude
first gay military wedding

RAF recruiting drive at gay march

Eight RAF officers are to become the first members of the armed forces to take part in a gay pride rally with official permission.
The officers will staff a special float at Manchester Pride this weekend, as part of an RAF recruitment drive.

By law the forces could dismiss practising gay and lesbian officers until January 2003.

However, a European Court of Human Rights ruling has stated the ban breaches the right to a private life.

'Sexual orientation'

An RAF spokeswoman said: "Along with the other armed forces, the RAF tries to reflect the community from which it draws it members.

"We have recruitment policies that recognise that people from different backgrounds can make positive contributions.

"An individual's sexual orientation is none of the RAF's business."

Last month, Brian Paddick, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, marched alongside 100 uniformed gay police officers at London Gay Pride.

Published at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/3603146.stm