Gay sailor wins compensation

THE United States navy and America's biggest Internet provider, America Online (AOL), have agreed compensation for a naval officer who faced dismissal, with no benefits, on grounds of homosexuality.

Master Chief Petty Officer, Timothy McVeigh, 36, earlier won a lawsuit in which he claimed gross breach of his privacy. AOL had confirmed to the navy the identity of an Internet user called "Tim", who described himself as gay, in violation of its privacy assurances. Under the settlement, McVeigh, who has 18 years of honourable service, will retire with full benefits, his legal fees paid, and an undisclosed sum in compensation.