Biden Pardons US Military Veterans Convicted In Gay-Sex Cases

President Biden has officially forgiven U.S. military veterans who were convicted of being homosexual under outdated laws. These laws used to criminalize homosexuality, but have since been repealed.

President Joe Biden is offering a pardon to military veterans convicted under a now-revoked law banning homosexuality in the U.S. armed forces.

In a statement issued Wednesday, Biden called this act of clemency "righting a historic wrong." This pardon could benefit thousands of former military personnel court-martialed under laws criminalizing consensual gay sex.

Biden states, "Despite their courage and sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were discharged due to sexual orientation or gender identity.” Some faced court-martial, carrying this injustice for decades.

The proclamation targets those convicted under Article 125 of the Military Justice Code for sodomy, a law in effect since 1951, amended in 2013 to ban only forcible acts.

Most convictions predate the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy (1993), which allowed LGBTQ troops to serve discreetly. Open service was fully permitted in 2011.

The administration considers methods to contact eligible individuals for clemency.

Applicants can seek proof of erased convictions and upgrades to military discharges, restoring lost pay and benefits.

President Biden's pardon initiative aligns with Pride Month and precedes a significant fundraiser with LGBTQ donors this Friday.

“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,” Biden added.

Those convicted under other sections of the military justice code, possibly unfairly targeting LGBTQ troops, must apply for clemency through the regular Department of Justice pardon process.

This is Biden's third broad pardon, extending clemency to various people convicted of specific crimes. Previous actions in 2022 and 2023 pardoned those convicted of marijuana possession.