Biden Announces Mass Pardon for 2,000 Veterans Convicted Under UCMJ Gay Sex Ban

Jun 26, 2024, 11:00 AM

President Joe Biden has announced a mass pardon for U.S. military veterans convicted under a now-repealed military law, specifically a former UCMJ article, that banned consensual gay sex. The law, which was in effect from 1951 to 2013, led to the convictions and forced discharges of thousands of service members based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Biden's clemency, announced on Wednesday, is expected to impact roughly 2,000 veterans, allowing them to regain lost benefits such as pensions and home loans. In his statement, Biden emphasized that this action is about 'righting an historic wrong' and restoring dignity and decency to those affected. The move was reported by CNN and aligns with the administration's efforts to support the LGBTQI+ community.