RAF uniforms banned from London Pride

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • June 25, 2007 - 14:13

The MoD is keen to promote all the armed services as good employers for minority groups.

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The Royal Air Force has announced that personnel who wear uniform to march in the Pride parade in London will face disciplinary action.

A letter from Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy, the Chief of the Air Staff, to station commanders says that LGB airmen and women can attend Pride but not in uniform.

Last week the Chief of the General Staff has issued orders banning LGB Army staff from marching in uniform at the event this Saturday.

General Sir Richard Dannatt was said to be concerned with a possbile breach of the Queen's Regulations, which bar military personnel from taking part in political activities.

The Royal Navy, which is a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme, allow sailors to march in uniform at Pride and use it as a recruitment opportunity.

Last year the RAF joined the Stonewall scheme, which now has over 300 members from across business and the public sector.

The scheme promotes best practice and gives organisations guidance and advise on how to create equality in the workplace.

The MoD is keen to promote all the armed services as good employers for minority groups.

The Royal Navy has permitted uniform to be worn on the Pride march but not at the rally in Trafalgar Square.

The Times reports that about 125 servicemen and women have told organisers of the march that they would like to take part - 50 from the Royal Navy, 50 from the RAF and 25 from the Army.

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