Spies urged to ‘come out’
The intelligence service MI5 has teamed up with Britain’s leading gay lobby group to recruit more homosexuals and to encourage spies to be open about their sexuality. According to an article in the Sunday Times, MI5, which targets home-grown terrorists and foreign spies, has hired Stonewall to advise on how it can attract a broader range of applicants.
Until the early 1990s homosexuals were barred from sensitive government jobs because of fears that they would be vulnerable to blackmail. This year MI5 will appear in Stonewall’s graduate recruitment guide, which lists gay-friendly employers. Ben Summerskill, director of Stonewall, said: “I am optimistic that in 10 to 15 years their [MI5’s] employment profile will look very much like modern Britain. There is no reason why there shouldn’t be a lesbian or gay director-general. People from all minority communities do have experience of getting on with people who are different and of fitting in.
One of Stonewall’s first achievements has been to set up a gay and lesbian “network” at MI5 to work with spy chiefs on policy. Stonewall, which was paid for its work, has also been advising on how to create a working environment where gay officers can feel comfortable about “coming out”.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
