In a significant step towards equality and justice, the Pentagon announced on Tuesday that over 800 military personnel have had their service records upgraded to honorable discharges. These individuals were previously kicked out of the military under the discriminatory “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which prohibited LGBTQ individuals from openly serving in the armed forces.
This decision marks the latest development in the ongoing efforts to undo the past discrimination faced by LGBTQ service members. The roots of this discrimination can be traced back to the 1951 Uniform Code of Military Justice’s Article 125, which criminalized consensual gay sex. It wasn’t until 1993, under the Clinton administration, that the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was implemented, allowing LGBTQ troops to serve as long as they did not disclose their sexual orientation.
However, it wasn’t until 2011, when Congress repealed the policy, that LGBTQ individuals were able to serve openly in the military. And in 2013, the 1951 UCMJ code was modified to only apply to nonconsensual gay sex. Despite these changes, thousands of service members still faced discrimination and were discharged from the military without an honorable discharge.
This meant that these individuals were denied the benefits they rightfully deserved, such as education benefits, and it could also have a negative impact on their ability to find employment or secure loans. It was a grave injustice that these brave men and women, who had dedicated their lives to serving their country, were treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation.
In a move towards righting these wrongs, President Joe Biden announced in June that he would be issuing pardons to service members who were convicted under the repealed military policies. And now, with the recent announcement from the Pentagon, it is clear that the government is taking concrete steps to correct the injustices faced by LGBTQ service members.
Last year, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a review of cases of former service members who may have been affected by the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The Pentagon estimates that around 13,500 service members were released from military service under this policy. With the review and upgrades of over 800 troops, it is heartening to know that about 96% of those affected by the policy have now received an honorable discharge.
It is important to note that not every case of the 13,500 needed review. Some of these individuals did not serve long enough to qualify for benefits, were released with an honorable discharge at the time, had their discharges upgraded through other means, or did not qualify for an upgrade due to other violations. However, the fact that the majority of those affected have now received an honorable discharge is a significant step towards justice and equality.
In a statement, Defense Secretary Austin said, “We will continue to honor the service and sacrifice of all our troops – including the brave Americans who raised their hands to serve but were turned away because of whom they love. We will continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country.” These words are a testament to the government’s commitment to righting the wrongs of the past and ensuring that all service members are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
This decision by the Pentagon is a victory for the LGBTQ community and a step towards a more inclusive and equal military. It sends a powerful message that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated and that the government is committed to upholding the values of equality and justice for all. It is a reminder that progress is possible, and change can be achieved when we stand together and fight for what is right.
In conclusion, the announcement by the Pentagon to upgrade the service records of over 800 military personnel is a significant step towards correcting the injustices faced by LGBTQ service members. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to equality and justice, and a reminder that we must continue to strive for a more inclusive and equal society. Let us celebrate this victory and continue to work towards a future where discrimination has no place in our armed forces or our society as a whole.
