Royal Navy to champion gay rights

Monday, 21 February 2005 12:00 AM

The Royal Navy has become the first of Britain's armed forces to specifically target gay recruits.

This morning, it announced that it was signing up to gay-rights charity Stonewall's diversity programme to promote good working conditions and ensure equal treatment for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.

It was only in 2000 that gay recruits were legally admitted into the forces.

From next year, same-sex couples who have legally registered their partnership will be eligible to apply for married quarters across the Armed Forces.

Stonewall's diversity programme currently has 90 members, including high profile companies such as British Airways and Sainsbury's, as well as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The Royal Navy said that it was committed to ensuring that all of its personnel are valued as team members.

Vice-Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent said: "The Royal Navy's goal is to be a world class navy, ready to fight and win. This can only be achieved if our people feel they are valued team members who share a bond of loyalty and trust with those in their ship and unit.

"With my responsibility for the welfare of all naval personnel, I am committed to ensuring the Royal Navy has a culture in which all our people are valued for themselves and are thus able to give 100 per cent to their job. I look forward to working with Stonewall to help make this happen."

Stephen Frost, who manages the diversity programme at Stonewall, said that the group was very pleased by the Royal Navy's decision.

Mr Frost said: "We're delighted that the Royal Navy is joining us. We strive to work with any employer committed to creating a more inclusive workplace. Good employers understand that diversity is good for staff and good for operational effectiveness. This isn't merely about compliance, it's about common sense."

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