Biden ‘righting a historic wrong’ by pardoning US military convicted of homosexuality
- Anyone granted clemency will be able to have their military documents amended – which could make them eligible for benefits they were denied
US President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he was “righting a historic wrong” by pardoning military personnel convicted under a law banning homosexuality in the armed forces for decades.
“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. Some of these patriotic Americans were subject to court martial, and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades,” Biden said in a statement.
He said the gesture was “ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation.”
The decision specifically concerns Article 125 of the Code of Military Justice, dating from 1951 and made obsolete by Congress in 2013. It made sodomy between consenting adults a crime punishable by court martial.
A senior US official told reporters that thousands of people could be eligible for pardons.
Along with the symbolism, anyone granted clemency will also be able to have their military documents amended – which could in turn make them eligible for benefits they had previously been denied.