PRESIDENT Joe Biden plans to pardon American veterans who were convicted by the military over a 60-year-old law that banned gay sex, it has been reported.
The pardon is expected to be announced on Wednesday and would affect roughly 2,000 people.
GETTYPresident Biden is expected to announce a pardon that would affect nearly 2,000 veterans[/caption]
GETTYFor over 60 years, some veterans have suffered because of a military law that prevented gay sex[/caption]
The former Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 125 criminalized sodomy, including between consenting adults, between 1951 and 2013.
In 2011, Congress repealed the law which is also referred to as the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.
However, thousands of service members have already been discharged from the military because of it.
Those discharged were prevented from accessing several Veterans Affairs benefits.
President Biden’s pardon hopes to help affected veterans regain those benefits by applying for a certificate, CNN reports.
Although it won’t directly reverse the affected gay veterans’ criminal records, it would allow them to apply for a certificate that will help them receive withheld benefits.
To apply for a certificate, individuals will need to complete an online application, which will go to their military service department.
The services department will then review the individual’s court-martial and service record to determine if they are eligible for the pardon.
A US official said that that determination will then be sent to the attorney general, acting through the Department of Justice’s pardon attorney.
Even if the individual is deemed eligible for a pardon, the certificate will not automatically change someone’s discharge status.
If a certificate of pardon is issued, the veteran will then have to apply to their respective military department’s board of corrections to have their military records corrected.
Over 6% of the American military identifies as part of the LBTBQ community.
The Center for American Progress reports that LGBTQ+ service members and veterans often encounter social, economic, and health concerns.
The report also notes the legacy of discriminatory policies and the ongoing social stigma that these members face as a result of the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
I believe that the story of America should be one of widening freedom, not deepening discrimination
Lloyd Austin
At the beginning of the month, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a statement thanking LGBTQ+ service members and personnel.
“I believe that the story of America should be one of widening freedom, not deepening discrimination,” the statement read.
“This often painful history has made something clear: Who you love and how you identify has nothing to do with how bravely you can fight for your country.
“As Secretary of Defense, I remain dedicated to making sure that our LGBTQ+ personnel across the Joint Force can continue to serve the country that we all love with dignity and pride — this month and every other one. “
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