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US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced a
proclamation
that would initiate the process of pardoning US
veterans
who were convicted by the
military
for engaging in consensual
gay sex
, which was illegal until the law was repealed in late 2013.
Senior administration officials estimate that the proclamation could potentially affect thousands of individuals who were convicted of consensual sexual conduct and may be eligible for a
pardon
.
“Our Nation’s service members stand on the frontlines of freedom, and risk their lives in order to defend our country,” Biden said in a statement. “Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Affected individuals can apply for proof of eligibility, and if they receive a certificate of pardon, they can then request to have their discharge characterization changed, according to the officials.
The administration is exploring ways to reach out to individuals who may be eligible for the pardon, the officials said.
In late 2013, the US Senate passed a measure that included the repeal of a military ban on consensual sex, which was defined in Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice as “unnatural carnal copulation,” according to the ACLU. The measure was then sent to former President Barack Obama for his signature.
During Obama’s presidency, Biden served as vice president.
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