Recruits To UK Armed Forces To Be Asked About Sexuality
The Ministry of Defence will now ask recruits about their sexual orientation when they join the armed forces.
The MoD is trying to create a greater tolerance of gay soldiers within the armed forces and stop attached on serving troops.
It was only back in 2000 that openly gay soldiers were allowed to serve. Previously, homosexuality was banned in the armed forces.
This will be the first time that sexual preference information will be kept on film for the first time in military history. However, recruits will be given the option to opt out of the question.
A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said: "The MoD proudly encourages diversity at all levels.
"Service personnel are now encouraged to declare their sexual orientation. Although this is not mandatory, collecting this data will give us a better understanding of the composition of our armed forces and help ensure our policies and practices fully support our personnel."
While the information will be held on file, it will not be available to the chain of command and it will also not be visible on the individual’s personal records.
Former soldier James Wharton was attacked for his sexuality while serving in the armed forces - he was saved from one attack by Prince Harry.
And while he Wharton does support the move, he believes that recruits should not have to reveal their sexual orientation. Speaking to the Mirror: "It’s fantastic news. But it’s important troops don’t have to reveal sexual preferences. I wasn’t ready to do that."