The Pentagon has recently announced a significant step forward in undoing past discrimination against LGBTQ service members. More than 800 military personnel who were previously kicked out of the military under the old “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy have now had their service records upgraded to honorable discharges. This is a significant milestone in the fight for equality within the armed forces.
For many decades, the military’s stance towards LGBTQ service members was one of exclusion and discrimination. As far back as 1951, the Uniform Code of Military Justice’s Article 125 criminalized consensual gay sex. It wasn’t until 1993, when former President Bill Clinton introduced the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, that LGBTQ individuals were even allowed to serve in the military, as long as they kept their sexual orientation a secret.
But finally, in 2011, Congress took a monumental step towards equality by repealing the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and allowing for the open service of LGBTQ individuals in the military. This was a long-awaited victory for the LGBTQ community, but unfortunately, there were still many service members who had been let go under the old policy.
These service members were given a less than honorable discharge, meaning they were denied important military benefits such as education benefits, and their chances of future employment or loan applications were affected. This was a grave injustice to those who had served their country with honor and bravery.
In an effort to right this wrong, President Joe Biden announced last June that he would be issuing pardons to service members who had been convicted under repealed military policies. And now, under the leadership of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the Pentagon has undertaken a review of these cases, resulting in the upgrade of more than 800 service members’ discharges to honorable.
This is a momentous occasion and a true testament to the commitment of the current administration to rectify past wrongs. The Pentagon estimates that around 13,500 service members were affected by the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. With the upgrades announced on Tuesday, a whopping 96% of them have now received the honorable discharge they rightfully deserve.
It’s important to note that not every case needed to be reviewed. Some of the personnel did not serve long enough to qualify for benefits, while others were already given an honorable discharge at the time. Additionally, some have had their discharges upgraded through other means, and some did not meet the criteria for an upgrade due to other violations.
In a statement, Defense Secretary Austin emphasized the commitment of the armed forces to honor the service and sacrifice of all troops, including the brave Americans who were turned away because of their sexual orientation. He also reaffirmed the military’s dedication to “do right by every American patriot” who has served their country honorably.
This move by the Pentagon is a huge step towards creating a more inclusive and fair military. It sends a strong message that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated within our armed forces. The upgrades of these service members’ discharges not only give them the recognition they deserve, but it also allows them access to the benefits they were previously denied.
After years of fighting for their rights, this announcement is a cause for celebration for the LGBTQ community and their allies. It shows that progress is being made, and that steps are being taken to correct past mistakes. But there is still work to be done. We must continue to strive towards equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, and ensure that every American patriot is treated with the honor and respect they deserve.
In conclusion, the recent news of over 800 service members having their discharges upgraded is a significant victory for the LGBTQ community and a clear indication that the military is moving in the right direction. Let us continue to stand together in the fight for equality and support all those who have served and continue to serve our country with pride and distinction.
