President Joe Biden has taken a significant step towards correcting past injustices by pardoning potentially thousands of former U.S. service members convicted under a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex. Announcing the decision, Biden emphasized that this action aims to “right an historic wrong” and help those affected regain lost benefits.
The pardon covers those convicted under the former Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which criminalized sodomy. This law, in place since 1951, was revised in 2013 to criminalize only forcible acts. Now, those who were previously convicted can apply to have their convictions erased, seek to upgrade their military discharges, and recover lost pay and benefits.
“Today, I am righting an historic wrong by using my clemency authority to pardon many former service members who were convicted simply for being themselves,” Biden stated. “We have a sacred obligation to all of our service members –- including our brave LGBTQI+ service members: to properly prepare and equip them when they are sent into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they return home. Today we are making progress in that pursuit.”
This landmark decision coincides with Pride Month.
By leveraging his clemency powers, President Biden is addressing past discrimination and helping affected service members restore their honor and benefits.
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