LONDON, Feb 21 (AFP) - Britain's Royal Navy said Monday it had joined a programme to encourage recruitment of homosexuals, while also helping those on board to feel happier about revealing their sexuality.
The navy will work with the gay-rights group Stonewall, which runs the programme, to promote equal working conditions for lesbians, gays and bisexuals.
Under the deal, Stonewall will also offer advice on how to recruit potential homosexual sailors through the so-called pink press.
"We see it as a real step forward," said Stonewall spokesman Andy Forrest.
"People who may have thought about joining the navy but decided it might be very homophobic, may think differently," he told AFP.
The Diversity Champions programme -- which has about 90 other members including companies such as IBM and the supermarket chain J Sainsbury Plc as well as government departments such as the Foreign Office -- helps employers to create a comfortable environment for homosexual staff.
A Royal Navy spokeswoman said the navy hoped it would encourage gay and lesbian sailors to be open about their sexual preferences without fear of being bullied or harrassed as a result.
Lieutenant Commander Craig Jones, a high-profile gay officer, applauded the move, which comes five years after the navy first lifted a ban on homosexuals.
"It will be particularly welcomed by serving gay men and women and their partners, providing reassurance that their contribution will be valued and their sexual orientation respected in a positive working environment," he said.
"It will also give a clear signal of commitment to those considering a career in the Royal Navy. I know from personal experience that people work best when they can be themselves."
Stonewall claims that the Diversity Champions programme, which was established in 2001, is the leading good practice forum on sexual orientation issues in Britain's workplace.
"Good employers understand that diversity is good for staff and good for operational effectiveness," said the programme manager, Stephen Frost. "This isn't merely about compliance, it's about common sense."
Naval captain Bob Brown said the navy was invited by Stonewall to sign up to the programme, which requires an undisclosed annual subscription.
"It will very much help us to explore the best practices in diversity," Brown told AFP.
"We want to be able to give the best deal for our people," he said.
When working in an enclosed space such as on board a ship, it was imperative that everyone felt comfortable around one-another, Brown said.
As for whether joining the Stonewall programme would help boost recruitment figures among the gay and lesbian community, the captain said: "That may well be a useful spin off."
Sexual orientation was immaterial in the navy, he said. "We just want the best people to join."
02/21/2005 17:29 GMT - AFP