§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legal advice he sought regarding the guidance on the compatibility of homosexuality and lesbianism with service in HM Armed Forces issued to potential recruits to the armed forces; when the leaflet containing this guidance was last reprinted; how many copies were printed; and if he will make a statement. [159542]
§ Mr. SpellarThere is no specific leaflet offering guidance to potential recruits on the compatibility of homosexuality and lesbianism with service in the armed forces. Such guidance pre-dated the change of policy announced in January 2000. The present version of the armed forces recruiting application form refers instead to standards of personal behaviour expected from all Service personnel. Such behaviour is governed by the Armed Forces Code of Social Conduct.
In introducing both the new policy towards sexual orientation and the Armed Forces Code of Social Conduct, the Department sought legal advice to ensure that the policies were within the law and respected the rights of the individual.