Written question asked by Evan Harris (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 5 May 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 1998. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 18 May 1998 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in what circumstances (a) non-criminal homosexual activity and (b) sexual orientation would debar a candidate from security clearance to become an RUC officer; and what changes in the regulations have occurred since 1994.

Answer: Dr. Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances (a) non-criminal homosexual activity and (b) sexual orientation would debar a candidate from security clearance to become an RUC officer; and what changes in the regulations have occurred since 1994. [41157] Mr. Ingram: A candidate must meet the recruiting criteria in every respect. There is nothing to debar a person who had engaged in non-criminal homosexual activity or to debar a person because of their sexual orientation. There have been no changes in policy relating to sexual orientation since 1994.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 312 c235W; 41157
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Employment Homosexuality National security Recruitment Vetting Sexuality Royal Ulster Constabulary