President Joe Biden has issued a proclamation pardoning thousands of U.S. veterans convicted under military laws banning homosexuality, making them eligible to apply for benefits that were previously withheld.
In a statement announcing the pardons early Wednesday, Biden said he was “righting a historic wrong” by pardoning former military members “who were convicted for simply being themselves.”
The ban stood for more than 60 years until Congress repealed “don’t ask, don’t tell” and amended Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in 2013 to criminalize consensual sex.
“Despite their bravery and tremendous sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members have been forcibly removed from the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of these patriotic Americans have been court-martialed and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades,” Biden said.
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Affected veterans will automatically receive amnesty, but individual service members will need to prove their eligibility to receive health care and other benefits that have been withheld, administration officials said.
Once they receive their pardon, veterans can apply to have their discharge changed, officials said. Details of the process will be posted on the Defense Department’s website and communicated to veterans by the Justice Department.
The Biden administration estimates that thousands of people were convicted under Section 125 before it was amended by Congress. Officials could not say how many people will apply for benefits, how long the application process will take or how the administration plans to reach out to veterans experiencing homelessness.
“I am committed to maintaining the greatest fighting force in the world,” Biden said in a statement, and that includes ensuring “all members of our military are safe and respected.”
“This is about dignity and civility, and ensuring that the culture of our military reflects the values that make us an exceptional nation,” Biden said.
CNN was the first to report the president’s plans to issue the proclamation.
The proclamation marks the latest exercise of President Biden’s pardon power, who issued a broad pardon late last year for all Americans who have used marijuana.
