GMC says sorry to LGBTQ+ doctors, but wider persecution continues in medicine
BMJ 2024; 384 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.q406 (Published 22 February 2024) Cite this as: BMJ 2024;384:q406Linked News
GMC apologises for regulatory action against doctors convicted under now repealed homophobic laws
- Abi Rimmer
- The BMJ
An apology from the General Medical Council (GMC) for past regulatory action, taken against doctors who were convicted under now repealed homophobic laws, represents progress and is the result of concerted efforts by the regulator’s staff. But the historical persecution of LGBTQ+ doctors still looms large—and it continues today, say campaigners.
Carrie MacEwen, GMC chair, said this week (22 February) that the medical regulator was “truly sorry” for taking regulatory action against at least 40 male doctors who, in historical cases, had criminal convictions under homophobic laws (box 1). At least eight of them were struck off the medical register.
The GMC apology in full
“The General Medical Council has been the independent regulator of the UK medical profession for more than 160 years. During that time, we took regulatory action against a number of doctors because they had convictions based on sexuality. For that we want to apologise.
“Homophobic laws and attitudes that were in place into the 1980s and beyond caused personal and professional harm. We compounded that harm when we also took additional regulatory action against those who were on the medical register. In some cases that meant the end of a practitioner’s career. For this we are truly sorry.
“Times have changed, and so have we, but more still needs to be done to support LGBTQ+ doctors and patients. We all have a part to play in this. As a regulator and employer, we’re committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusivity in all that we do.”
RETURN TO TEXTThe GMC says that, as far as it is aware, no …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.