In the navy

London

The British navy said this week that it would allow gay and lesbian sailors to bunk with their same-sex partners on base. The new policy stems from a 1999 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that Britain’s ban on gays in the military violated European law. Since then, the navy has been working with Stonewall, a gay rights group, to come up with ways to make gays feel comfortable in the military. “It’s not just empty words when we talk about diversity and opportunity,” said Commodore Paul Docherty, the officer in charge of naval life. Starting in the fall, gays in civil unions may apply for housing previously reserved for married couples. On ship, however, sexual activity is still strictly forbidden for gays and straights alike.

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