SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz County officials are offering assistance to local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning veterans who might benefit from a recently issued federal pardon.
The announced services come days after a June 26 pardon from President Joe Biden issued to LGBTQ military services members who were forced out of the military and subject to a court-martial because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a release from the county’s Human Services Department.
The article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice that criminalized certain acts of homosexuality — Article 125 — was repealed by federal authorities in 2014, but those that were punished prior to its dissolution were left with little or no recourse until now. The pardon allows those convicted under the rules of the article prior to 2014 to apply for a certificate of pardon.
“Making sure all former service members, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can access the benefits and services earned and afforded them through their military services is our priority,” Dean Kaufman, Santa Cruz County Human Services Department Veterans Service officer, said in a release. “This pardon makes it easier for us to do our job locally supporting LGBTQ+ former service members, and we feel confident that we can successfully assist anyone needing our help moving forward.”
Those seeking to apply for the pardon certificate — documented proof of the conviction’s erasure — can work with the county’s Veterans Service Office to navigate the process. The office can also help pardoned veterans apply for an upgrade of military discharge and potential recovery of lost pay and benefits, according to the release.
The Santa Cruz County Veteran’s Services Office is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday to Thursday at 842 Front St. in Santa Cruz. It can also be reached via phone at 831-454-7276.
