Biden issues blanket amnesty to service members expelled from the military because of their sexuality : NPR
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President Joe Biden issued a blanket pardon Wednesday morning to LGBTQI+ service members removed from the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Biden said in a statement that he had “corrected a historic wrong” by granting clemency to all troops expelled during the 60-year military ban on gay sex. Congress repealed that ban in 2013. White House officials said the move, announced during Pride Month, would affect about 2,000 veterans.
The exact number of US soldiers deported over the years because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is unknown, but advocates estimate that over 100,000. Commanders often use other means to push gay troops out of the military, such as violating or issuing less-than-honorable discharges in lieu of court-martial, the military’s official legal procedure.
“This is about dignity, civility, and ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflects the values that make us a special nation,” Biden said in the statement. “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 in danger, and to care for them and their families when they return home. Today we are making progress in pursuit of that goal.”
Conduct covered by the pardon includes people convicted of serious crimes based on private, voluntary conduct with people 18 years of age or older. People convicted of a single aggravating factor, such as sexual coercion or adultery, are not covered by the pardon.
A discharge that is not honorable is more than a shame; it strips veterans of automatic VA benefits and health care. After that, it can be difficult to find a civilian job because employers often ask about military service and the nature of military discharge when hiring.
This amnesty will remove a major obstacle for thousands of veterans in getting upgraded discharge rights from the Department of Defense, but it remains a long and difficult process. The Department of Veterans Affairs may award benefits to many veterans who were improperly discharged from military service in many cases.
On Tuesday, VA Secretary Denis McDonough answered that question at a news conference.
“I have a very specific message for every veteran regardless of how they left the military: we want to work with you. My message is come see us,” he said.
According to the statement, the Biden administration will still consider pardons for offenses committed against other LGBTQI+ individuals who do not follow these guidelines on a case-by-case basis.
