Regulatory action against doctors that was based on now repealed homophobic laws casts a long shadow, say campaigners. They welcome a formal apology issued by the medical regulator this week but they say that LGBTQ+ doctors still face prejudice in the workplace, writes Abi Rimmer
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from the General Medical Council (GMC) for past regulatory action, taken against doctors who were convicted under now repealed homophobic laws, represents progress and is the result of concerted efforts by the regulator’s staff.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.
Box 1
### The GMC apology in full
“The General Medi