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Security vetting - homosexuality

01 January 1991

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Security vetting - homosexuality
artdoc October=1991

The government has reviewed its policy on homosexuality being an
automatic bar to top posts in the diplomatic service and other
sensitive posts under the security vetting procedures.
Homosexuality has been grounds for an automatic bar on clearance
on PV (TS) - positive vetting (top secret) - or enhanced positive
vetting (EPV) posts.
The Prime Minister announced in July that the automatic bar is
to go but `the susceptibility of the subject to blackmail or
pressure by a foreign intelligence service will continue to be
a factor in the vetting of all candidates for posts involving
access to highly classified information'.
The bar remains in the armed forces where `homosexual acts
remain offences under the service disciplinary Acts'.
However, a confidential Foreign Office memorandum to all staff
entitled `Homosexuality and Security Vetting' encouraging gay
diplomats to be open about their sexuality warns they could be
disciplined or sacked for past `deliberate falsehoods and
untrustworthiness'. The sexuality of staff is relevant, says the
memo, to their susceptibility to blackmail.

Hansard, written answer, 23.7.91; Independent, 15.8.91.

Statewatch no 4 September/October 1991

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