In a landmark move, President Joe Biden has issued a blanket pardon to all LGBTQ+ troops who were discharged or expelled from the military due to their sexuality. The long-awaited decision came into effect on June 30th, 2024 and is expected to impact thousands of service members who have been unjustly kicked out of the military in the past.
The discriminatory practice of discharging soldiers based on their sexual orientation or gender identity began in World War II and continued until “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) was implemented in 1993. Despite the repeal of DADT in 2010, there were still instances of LGBTQ+ individuals being discharged for their sexuality until the ban on transgender individuals serving openly was lifted in 2021.
As a tribute to Pride Month and as part of his ongoing efforts towards equality and inclusivity, President Biden has now granted a full pardon to all those who were expelled from the military solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The move is seen as a significant step towards remedying past injustices and recognizing the sacrifices made by LGBTQ+ service members.
Here are some key points to note about the blanket pardon:
- The pardon covers all branches of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves.
- It applies to both current and former troops who were discharged or expelled due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- The Department of Defense has been directed to update all relevant records and reissue honorable discharges to those impacted by this decision.
- This is not a one-time pardon but applies to any future cases as well, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals can serve openly without fear of discrimination.
The President’s decision has received widespread praise from LGBTQ+ advocates and organizations, with many calling it a major victory for equality and human rights. It also reflects a significant shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals, as more and more countries around the world move towards accepting and celebrating diversity.
According to estimates, around 100,000 troops have been expelled from the military since World War II due to their sexuality. While this blanket pardon cannot change the past, it offers much-needed closure and recognition for those who were wrongfully discharged. As President Biden himself stated during the announcement, “No longer will we dismiss brave men and women just because of who they love.”
The blanket pardon is seen as a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse military, where individuals are judged solely on their abilities and not their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is yet another example of President Biden’s commitment to promoting equality and building a society that celebrates the uniqueness of all its members.
With this move, America has taken a significant step towards righting past wrongs and moving forward with a more just and inclusive future for all its citizens. Let us hope that this decision inspires other countries around the world to follow suit in creating a truly equal society for everyone.
So, it can be seen that president Joe Biden has made excellent move toward the freedom of LGBTQ+ individuals in America. This newfangled compass will bring a more diverse and inclusive society, where everyone can serve their country without fear of discrimination.