MI6 BOSS: I’M SORRY FOR BAN ON GAY SPIES
THE head of MI6 has apologised for its unfair treatment of gay and bisexual spies.
Richard Moore admitted the Secret Intelligence Service banned LGBT+ spooks until 1991 – years after same-sex relationships were decriminalised.
He said the policy was in place because of the “misguided view they would be more susceptible to blackmail”. It forced gay people to hide their sexuality if they wanted to serve Britain in MI6.
Mr Moore, known as C, added that even after the ban was lifted some workers were “made to feel unwelcome”.
He said the prejudice over the years “deprived [us] of some of the best talent Britain could offer”.
During the Cold War, spy chiefs thought the KGB could use a gay spy’s sexuality to apply leverage to learn secrets. Mr Moore, 57, said: “Committed people had their careers and lives blighted because it was argued being LGBT+ was incompatible with being an intelligence professional.
“Because of this policy, other patriotic people had their dreams of serving in MI6 shattered. This was unjust and discriminatory.
“I apologise on behalf of MI6 for the way our LGBT+ colleagues and fellow citizens were treated.”
He added: “Even after the ban was lifted in 1991, its effects lingered.
“I pay tribute to the extraordinary resilience and loyalty of LGBT+ colleagues past and present who slowly turned the tide by educating their workmates and fighting for change.”
The intelligence agencies have been overhauled in recent years to reflect Britain’s diversity.
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