US President to pardon US Military personnel convicted of Homosexuality
2 min read
President Joe Biden of the United States of America, on Wednesday, stated his readiness to pardon US Military personnel convicted of homosexuality.
This was even as the President said he was “righting a historic wrong”. This is by pardoning military personnel convicted under a law banning homosexuality in the armed forces for decades.
This was contained in statement by Biden ahead of the coming presidential elections in November.
He said, “Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military. This is 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.”
Biden stated that with the gesture, he was “ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation.”
READ ALSO: https://newsstrike.com.ng/2024/06/28/efcc-witch-hunting-kwankwaso-says-nnpp/
According to the report, the decision specifically concerns Article 125 of the Code of Military Justice, dating from 1951 and made obsolete by Congress in 2013. It made sodomy between consenting adults a crime punishable by court-martial.
A senior US official told reporters that thousands of people could be eligible for pardons.
He stated that along with the symbolism, anyone granted clemency will also be able to have their military documents amended. Which could in turn make them eligible for benefits they had previously been denied.
Recall that the United States barred homosexual personnel from serving in the military until 1994. That was when a policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” went into effect.
READ ALSO: https://newsstrike.com.ng/2024/06/28/tinubu-storms-nec-meeting-in-rare-appearance/
“That policy prevented service members from being asked about their sexual orientation. But the policy still required gay, lesbian and bisexual personnel to remain closeted. This is to avoid being dismissed from the military until its repeal in 2011.
Recall that in September 2023, the Defense Department announced that it would conduct a review to identify veterans who received other than honorable discharges. Which can affect access to benefits as well as harm employment prospects — as a result of their sexual orientation, so their records can be corrected if merited.
