President Biden Pardons LGBTQ+ Veterans
As Pride Month comes to a close in 2024, President Biden announced he is pardoning thousands of veterans who were discharged from the military due to the anti-sodomy laws written in the Uniformed Code of Military Justice. This is incredible news for so many veterans who have not been eligible for VA benefits for all these years. Biden stated, “Some of these patriotic Americans were subject to court-martial and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades…This is about dignity, decency, and ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation.”
Certain requirements must be met to be eligible for the pardon. Veterans can apply for a certificate of pardon online if the criteria are satisfied. Upon receiving the certificate, they can request a discharge upgrade on their DD-214 and later apply for VA benefits. If a veteran has additional charges related to their sexual orientation, a different procedure for a discharge upgrade will need to be followed.
For more information on the qualifications and application process, click on this link: Presidential Pardon
