It’s been over three years since Joe Biden was sworn in as POTUS, but he is just now planning a presidential pardon for the nation’s veterans who were convicted under the previous military ban on gay sex.
While many question the timing of the action, it is undoubtedly excellent news for the estimated 2,000 people affected by the ban, which was in place between 1951 and 2013.
An Unfair Conviction
In a statement Biden made on Wednesday, he revealed his plans to use his powers as president to right the past wrongs done to the veterans for being themselves. He agreed that the former service members who were convicted or discharged under the military sodomy and same-sex relationship laws and guidelines were unfairly treated.
Unreturned Loyalty
Biden’s statement continued with him paying tribute to LGBT veterans who fought on the nation’s frontlines to protect it but whose courage was rewarded with a discharge or conviction based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. He pointed out how some were even court-martialed, expressing regret for the burden of injustice they have had to carry for decades.
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Why They Were Convicted
It all began in 1951 when the Uniform Code of Military Justice explicitly criminalized sodomy in the military, and the repercussions included criminal records and dishonorable discharges. Many were incarcerated because of their sexuality, and they have had to live with the stain on their record ever since.
Progress Began With Bill Clinton
Things got slightly better for LGBT service members under Bill Clinton’s administration as the policy on banning consensual gay sex in the military changed. It was replaced with a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy that allowed gay American citizens to serve in the military but only if they kept quiet about their sexuality. It was a step in the right direction, but those outed without their consent still faced high risks of dismissal. The policy remained until 2010 when it was overturned under President Barack Obama and then-vice-president Joe Biden.
Obama Took the Progress Even Farther
In 2014, while Obama was president, he signed the National Defense Authorization Act that fully decriminalized same-sex relationships in the military. It was a great move, but it didn’t affect those who had already been affected by the previous policies.
How Biden’s Pardon Works
Any affected veteran will need to apply and complete a process to get their record cleared under Biden’s clemency powers. They would then get a certificate of pardon, allowing them to be eligible for veterans’ benefits and change their discharge status. The pardon does not apply to those convicted of rape.
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Consequences of the Pardon
The sweeping pardon Biden is offering is not just a symbolic gesture; it will have real consequences for some. A perfect example of those who stand to benefit from it are service members with dishonorable discharge status. Such people are ineligible for veteran services guaranteed under the government, such as healthcare, education, insurance, loans, and employment training, but that will be reversed when they get the pardon.
Why Is It Happening Now?
While the offer of pardon is a great move in itself, some can’t help but wonder why the president is just now making it, given that he has had more than three years to start the process. Questions have been asked, but administration officials don’t have a clear answer, leading people to speculate.
How Netizens Reacted
Biden’s announcement of the LGBT pardons was shared online via his official POTUS account on X. As many of his posts do, it quickly got the attention of many and was met with overwhelming support. One user praised the decision, writing that it was time for the affected veterans to get their due.
Criticism For the President
While many expressed support for what Biden is doing, some critiqued the timing, and others made some interesting points. One user in the comment section drew attention to how Biden, now posing as a savior, was part of the problem in the past. According to the user, he voted for the law under which they were convicted.
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Righting Past Wrongs With Pardon
It is the third time Biden has issued such a sweeping pardon for perceived past wrongs during his tenure. In 2022 and 2023, he offered wide-ranging pardons for people who became convicts under federal law for merely possessing marijuana. Now, people are wondering if more will follow and, if so, who are those next in line for a Biden pardon.
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