Posted on 07/29/2003 7:21:27 AM PDT by bedolido
A senior mechanic who was sacked for being gay has been awarded more than £50,000 by the Ministry of Defence.
Christopher Brown, 40, from the Isle of Man, was discharged after nearly 20 years of exemplary service when his homosexuality was uncovered in 1999.
The case was taken to the European Court of Human Rights, but settled out of court.
Mr Brown's solicitor Stephen Grosz said his client was "pleased" with the award of £52,500, which included damages and costs.
But added that he regretted the fact he did not serve his country in the recent conflict with Iraq.
"I know that he was disappointed that he wasn't able to take part as a service person when the services went to war," Mr Grosz said.
He added: "The only reason he was discharged was because of his sexual orientation."
Mr Brown, who held the rank of sergeant in the RAF, argued his human rights were breached by the MoD through their former policy of outlawing homosexuality in the services.
A MoD spokeswoman said: "The out-of-court settlement has been agreed. In this case we have accepted a liability and have paid the compensation."
She added: "Diversity in the forces is now openly embraced."
Last Updated: 04:38 UK, Tuesday July 29, 2003
Poor choice of wording for title
Figures.
I am tired of all this BS about gays too. Gay high school, gay this, gay that.
HEY, maybe this guy could be a teacher at that GAY high school!!
SARCASM INTENDED!!
Yes, this site is turning PINK — big time. Move all the gay threads to a Gay Forum.
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