US President Joe Biden has announced that LGBTQ members of the armed forces who were convicted under the ban on same-sex relationships will be pardoned.
The pardon applies to all personnel who were convicted under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy – which was repealed in 2011.
“Today, President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of former service members who were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.
President Biden said: “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.
“Our nation’s service members stand on the frontlines of freedom and risk their lives in order to defend our country.
“Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQ+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Some of these patriotic Americans were subject to court-martial, and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades.
“As Commander in Chief, I am committed to maintaining the finest fighting force in the world.
“That means making sure that every member of our military is safe and respected so they can focus on their mission.
“This is about dignity, decency and ensuring the culture of our armed forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation.
“We have a sacred obligation to all of our service members – including our brave LGBTQ+ 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.
“Today we are making progress in that pursuit.”
