The head of the British Army has made military history by addressing a conference on homosexuality

12 Oct 2008

Gen Sir Richard said that respect for gays, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans-sexual officers and soldiers was now 'a command responsibility' for the Army

In a speech to the conference in London on Thursday, – the first of its kind by any Army chief – Gen Sir Richard said that respect for gays, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans-sexual officers and soldiers was now "a command responsibility" and was vital for "operational effectiveness".

    In the speech, he said: "We have made real progress in our understanding of equality and diversity in the military context, and there is a desire to achieve more yet.  My recent Equality and Diversity Directive for the Army sets the standard that we must live by, and, importantly, it communicates that standard to everyone in the chain of command.

    "Respect for Others", one of the Army's core values, is at the heart of this directive.

    "Respect for others is not an optional extra, it is a command responsibility and an essential part of leadership, teamwork and operational effectiveness.  We must get dealing with one another in the Army right, so that we also get it right when dealing with other populations on operations, when we often have men and women from other nations under command."

    The Army has often had a difficult relationship with the gay community in comparison to the Royal Navy and RAF.  Only last year, Gen Dannatt banned soldiers in uniform from attending the Gay Pride march.  By contrast, gay personnel from the Royal Navy and the RAF were encouraged to attend in uniform.

    Sources close to the general, who is a Christian with deeply held views, said that Gen Dannatt was determined to speak at the conference because he wanted to demonstrate that the modern Army is a tolerant organisation, where people of any sexual orientation can make a valuable contribution.

    The source added: "There will be a reaction to this by some in the Army but I think the majority of soldiers will welcome it.  Being gay isn't the issue it once was.  What matters on the battlefield is how you fight not who you sleep with – it's just not an issue."

    The armed forces ban on homosexual serviced personnel was lifted in 2000 following a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights, which described it as a "grave interference" into the private life of individuals.