Department of Veterans Affairs official announcements, news reports

Biden Pardons Thousands of LGBTQ+ Veterans Convicted Under Cold War-Era and Don't Ask, Don't Tell Laws

Jun 26, 2024, 03:30 PM

President Joe Biden has announced a significant clemency action, pardoning thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans who were convicted under discriminatory military laws, including those affected by the Cold War-era purge. This move primarily affects those convicted before the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy was implemented in 1993 and those impacted by the policy until its repeal in 2010. The White House estimates that several thousand service members will benefit from this action, which aims to restore their dignity and access to military benefits. Biden's proclamation is seen as a step towards correcting historical injustices faced by LGBTQ+ service members, who were often forced out of the military due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Department of Veterans Affairs has also expanded access to benefits for these veterans. This announcement coincides with Pride Month, emphasizing the administration's commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, the files of a few thousand of those discharged between 1993 and 2011 are under review, but more than 100,000 LGBTQ+ veterans were discharged before that.