Today, President Joe Biden’s administration is righting a wrong that has affected upwards of 100,000 LGBTQ+ service members.
The White House just released “A Proclamation on Granting Pardon for Certain Violations of Article 125 Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” which extends pardons to LGBTQ+ service members who were dishonorably discharged from the military for being gay or transgender.
“Our Nation has made tremendous progress in advancing the cause of equality for LGBTQI+ Americans, including in the military,” said the proclamation. “Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The proclamation goes on to say that these service members, starting with those who served between May 31, 1951, and December 26, 2013, will receive a full, complete, and unconditional pardon under former Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The branches of the military and the Department of Homeland Security will release information on how to apply for a formal pardon. From there, discharged military members can submit a request for a pardon and have their discharge upgraded.
This proclamation comes during the last week of Pride Month and on the day of Dr. Jill Biden’s White House Pride Month Celebration event.
In a statement accompanying the proclamation, President Biden addressed the injustice these service members faced and how his administration is attempting to reconcile it.
“Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Biden. “Some of these patriotic Americans were subject to court-martial, and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades.
This is about dignity, decency, and ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation. 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.”