U.S. President Joe Biden has announced plans to issue a proclamation granting mass clemency to veterans previously convicted under a repealed law that once prohibited homosexuality in the United States armed forces.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Biden described the act of clemency as an effort to "right a historic wrong." The pardon aims to address the injustices faced by thousands of LGBTQI+ service members who were discharged from the military due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, some even enduring court-martial proceedings.
"Despite their bravery and significant sacrifices, numerous LGBTQI+ service members were forcibly expelled from the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Biden expressed in his statement. "Many of these patriotic individuals faced court-martial and have carried the burden of this profound injustice for decades."
The proclamation targets individuals convicted under Article 125 of the Code of Military Justice, which criminalized consensual sodomy starting in 1951. This law remained in effect until its revision in 2013, which restricted its application to forcible acts only.
The majority of convictions occurred before the implementation of the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy in 1993, which allowed LGBTQ troops to serve if they kept their sexual orientation concealed. Subsequently, in 2011, Congress permitted open service by LGBTQ individuals in the military.
The administration is actively seeking methods to identify individuals eligible for clemency. Those affected by the proclamation will have the opportunity to request documentation confirming their conviction expungement and may pursue upgrades to their military discharges. Such upgrades would enable them to regain lost pay and benefits.
President Biden's use of his pardon authority coincides with Pride Month and precedes a high-profile fundraising event with LGBTQ donors scheduled for Friday.
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