Research and analysis

Homosexuality at the Foreign Office 1967 to 1991

This publication, by Foreign and Commonwealth Office Historians, looks at the ban on diplomats being homosexual which was lifted in 1991.

From:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
4 July 2017
Last updated
26 March 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Homosexuality at the Foreign Office, 1967 to 1991

PDF, 3.08 MB, 40 pages

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Details

Based on policy documents, this publication tells the story of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) policy towards homosexuality from the mid-1960s to the 1990s. It is intended as an introduction and accompaniment to the material contained in the files which will be released to The National Archives.

Published 4 July 2017
Last updated 26 March 2024 + show all updates

  1. The second edition includes a factual update to the timeline: in 2000 Simon Scaddan became the first openly gay head of mission.

  2. First published.