Biden pardons gay military members despite past support for ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’

President Biden made a historic move on Wednesday by pardoning former U.S. service members who were dishonorably discharged due to violating a now-defunct military ban on consensual gay sex.

Biden’s action grants a pardon to service members who were convicted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice’s former Article 125, which criminalized sodomy. This law, which had been in place since 1951, was rewritten in 2013 to only prohibit forcible acts.

Individuals covered by the pardon will now have the opportunity to apply to receive proof that their conviction has been erased, petition to upgrade their discharges from the military, and seek to reclaim lost pay and benefits.

In a statement, President Biden expressed his commitment to “righting a historic wrong” that had impacted countless LGBTQI+ service members. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by these individuals who were unjustly forced out of the military due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“This is about dignity, decency, and ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflects the values that make us an exceptional nation,” Biden emphasized. “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.”

The latest act of clemency announced by Biden marks a significant step towards rectifying past injustices and honoring the contributions of LGBTQI+ individuals in the military community. The move is especially poignant during Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating LGBTQI+ rights and inclusivity.

It is worth noting that this gesture by President Biden follows his previous support for the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in 1993. This policy, which prohibited discrimination against closeted homosexual or bisexual service members but banned openly LGBTQ individuals from military service, was eventually repealed in 2011 with the backing of then-President Obama and Vice President Biden.

President Biden’s commitment to justice and equality has extended beyond pardoning former service members, as he has also directed the Department of Veterans Affairs to take steps towards providing benefits to individuals who were other than honorably discharged due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.

This latest act of clemency reflects President Biden’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, diversity, and fairness within the U.S. military and society at large. By acknowledging and rectifying past injustices, the Biden administration is working towards creating a more equitable and compassionate environment for all service members.

As we reflect on this significant moment in LGBTQI+ rights history, let us strive to honor the courage and resilience of those who have fought for equality and acceptance within the military and beyond.