President Biden is set to make a historic move on Wednesday by pardoning American veterans who were convicted of engaging in gay sex under a military code that prohibited such behavior for over six decades. This proclamation is expected to grant clemency to around 2,000 individuals who faced charges between 1951 and 2013, marking a significant step towards rectifying a longstanding injustice.
In a statement released by the White House ahead of the announcement, President Biden expressed his commitment to righting this historic wrong, stating, “Today, I am righting an historic wrong by using my clemency authority to pardon many former service members who were convicted simply for being themselves.” He acknowledged the sacrifices made by LGBTQI+ service members who were unfairly discharged from the military due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The proclamation specifically addresses charges brought under Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which criminalized consensual same-sex relationships. With the repeal of this discriminatory law in 2013, those who were convicted under it can now apply for a certificate of clemency online, potentially allowing them to overturn their convictions and access benefits that were previously denied to them.
This act of clemency reflects President Biden’s commitment to promoting dignity and equality within the armed forces. While his administration has primarily focused on pardoning nonviolent drug offenders, this latest move underscores his dedication to addressing historical injustices and ensuring that the values of the nation are reflected in the military culture.
Despite some speculation about the timing of this announcement in an election year, Biden administration officials emphasized that the decision was not politically motivated. The focus remains on providing long-overdue justice to those who have suffered due to discriminatory policies in the past.
