The Trudeau government has signalled its intention to apologize to former military members, hoping to make amends to those who endured federal discrimination over the decades due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. OTTAWA—The Defence Department says a painstaking review of dusty personnel files in the national archives may be needed to determine how many people were forced out of the military for being gay or lesbian. Due to these limitations, it is “impossible to provide a tight estimate” of the number of Forces members released between 1969 and 1992 due to their sexual orientation, Parker added. In 1967, the military issued Canadian Forces Administrative Order 19-20, “Homosexuality — Sexual Abnormality Investigation, Medical Examination and Disposal,” which formally banned gays from serving. Any personnel who suspected another member of being gay or lesbian was required to inform a commanding officer.

Source: thestar June 04, 2017 22:18 UTC