Lesbian soldier sues Ministry of Defence
A former military police is suing the Ministry of Defence after claiming she was hounded out of the forces after entering into a civil partnership.
22-year-old Joanne Ogogo said she was the victim of harassment, bullying and a whispering campaign, as well as attempts by superiors to separate her and her partner, Laura McDonald.
Ms Ogogo, from Lowestoft, Suffolk, ‘married’ fellow military police soldier Ms McDonald in January 2006. It was the first civil partnership between two soldiers.
When she met Ms McDonald and fell in love, she dumped her boyfriend and endured gossip from other soldiers about their private life.
“I had always dreamt about making the Army my career but was forced out,” she told The Sun.
“I was posted to Bosnia and started receiving text messages like ‘I hope it’s not right you have turned to a dyke’. I tried to ignore them but they just got more offensive.”
Ms Ogogo broke her arm and was assigned to desk duties by her superiors despite being signed off work by a doctor.
She gave up her job and now works as a prison officer.
The MoD said they were investigating the allegations made by Ms Ogogo, who is seeking £15,000 damages.
