U.K. Soldiers
Allowed to Wear Uniforms at Pride

The United Kingdom's ministry of defense on Monday gave permission for uniformed army personnel to march in this year's London gay pride celebrations.

Previously, the chief of the general staff had issued orders barring LGBT army staff from marching in uniform at the event, but a meeting between army officials, parade organizers, and the country's equality and human rights commission resulted in an agreement to scrap the ban in time for this year's parade.

The event will be the first time that all three branches of the military will be allowed to march in uniform. The Royal Navy has previously allowed sailors to participate in uniform as a recruitment device.

The U.K. began allowing gay men and women to serve openly in the military in 2000. While military personnel have been able to participate in the pride march since then, soldiers and airmen have done so in civilian clothes.

The parade will take place on July 5 in London's West End. (The Advocate)