Biden pardons thousands of US veterans convicted under law banning gay sex

MicroWave@lemmy.world to News@lemmy.world – 1067 points –
Biden pardons thousands of US veterans convicted under law banning gay sex
theguardian.com

Joe Biden has moved to correct a “great injustice” by pardoning thousands of US veterans convicted over six decades under a military law that banned gay sex.

The presidential proclamation, which comes during Pride month and an election year, allows LGBTQ+ service members convicted of crimes based solely on their sexual orientation to apply for a certificate of pardon that will help them receive withheld benefits.

It grants clemency to service members convicted under Uniform Code of Military Justice article 125 – which criminalised sodomy, including between consenting adults – between 1951 and 2013, when it was rewritten by Congress.

That includes victims of the 1950s “lavender scare”, a witch-hunt in which many LGBTQ+ people employed by the federal government were viewed as security risks amid fears their sexual orientation made them vulnerable to blackmail. Thousands were investigated and fired or denied employment.

168

You are viewing a single comment

Why doesn't everything I want happen instantly, the moment that I want it?

Probably Biben's fault

When he does something I like it still makes me angry, fucking asshole Biben

Why doesn’t everything I want happen instantly, the moment that I want it?

Likely because you don't have a large lobbying firm or a country club full of politicians to schmooze with.

Probably Biben’s fault

Biden's been a federal politician for over half his adult life. He regularly gets exactly what he wants.

Every so often a federal politician doesn't get what they really really want, and never fully recover. RIP Hillary.

1 more...
1 more...
2 more...