Biden pardons soldiers discharged from the military because of their sexuality

President Joe Biden issued a general pardon on Wednesday morning for LGBTQI+ soldiers who were discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Biden said in a statement he was “righting a historic wrong” by granting clemency to all soldiers expelled during the 60 years in which the military explicitly banned consensual gay sex. Congress repealed that ban in 2013. White House officials say the move, announced during Pride Month, will affect about 2,000 veterans.

The exact number of U.S. soldiers expelled over the years because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is unknown, but activists estimate the number to be over 100,000. Commanders often resorted to other means to force gay soldiers out of the military, such as certifying violations or offering them a dishonorable discharge instead of a court-martial, the military’s formal legal process.

“It’s about dignity, decency, and ensuring the culture of our armed forces reflects the values ​​that make us an exceptional nation,” Biden said in the statement. “We have a sacred obligation to all of our soldiers – including our brave LGBTQI+ soldiers: to adequately 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 on that aspiration.”

The behavior covered by the pardon includes people convicted of serious crimes that involve consensual, private conduct with people 18 years of age or older. People accused of a serious offense such as sexual assault or adultery are not covered by the pardon.

A dishonorable discharge is more than just a disgrace; it automatically strips veterans of VA benefits and health insurance. It can be difficult to get a civilian job afterward because employers often ask about military service and the nature of the discharge when hiring.

This pardon will remove a major obstacle for thousands of veterans to have their military discharge upgraded by the Department of Defense, but it is still a long and difficult process. The Department of Veterans Affairs can provide many veterans with benefits in many cases for a dishonorable discharge.

On Tuesday, VA Secretary Denis McDonough addressed this issue at a press conference.

“I have a very specific message to all veterans, regardless of their dishonorable discharge, and that is: We want to work with you. My message is: Please come join us,” he said.

The Biden administration will continue to consider pardoning crimes committed by other LGBTQI+ people that do not fall under these guidelines, using an expedited, case-by-case process, the proclamation said.

Copyright: NPR