Defence Force allows gay, lesbian and transgender support group

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The New Zealand Defence Force is allowing a gay, lesbian and transgender support group to be set up.

Flight Lieutenant Stu Pearce told Radio New Zealand the internal support group was a significant step for defence.

New Zealand Defence will reportedly join just a handful of militaries around the world to form an internal support group for the minority groups.

Mr Pearce said while a gay personnel ban had been lifted in 1993, the defence force remains a conservative organisation.

The support group will launch in January and was approved last month.

He said the internal support group would make sure all the welfare needs of defence personnel were met.

- APNZ