UK Sailors March at Gay Pride

LONDON, UK -- More than 40 sailors from the Royal Navy will be allowed to march in full uniform at the gay EuroPride event in London next Saturday, marking a remarkable development since the British military lifted its ban on gay personnel in 2000.

The proposal to participate in Gay Pride was first discussed earlier this year by the Second Sea Lord, Vice-Admiral Johns. The Vice-Admiral said that; "A significant number of Royal Navy lesbian and gay personnel ... are keen to give a strong personal signal that the Royal Navy is an inclusive employer of choice that welcomes and actively champions diversity in its workforce."

"Our mission is to break down barriers of discrimination, prejudice, fear and misunderstanding.

"Not only is this morally right, it is also for us in a fighting force the best way to deliver maximum operational effectiveness."

According to spokesmen from the Royal Navy this is the first time that any military organisation in the world has allowed gay and lesbian recruits to march in uniform at such an event. "They will not be marching in a parade formation but they will be walking smartly and in full uniform with medals," said Commander Graham Beard, the Navy's diversity spokesman. "We strive to support our lesbian and gay community, and this is a massive step forward for us."