The Biden administration estimates that the proclamation could impact thousands of individuals convicted of consensual sexual conduct and who may be eligible for a pardon. “Our nation’s military service members are on the front lines of freedom and risk their lives to defend our country,” Biden said in a statement. “Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members have been expelled from the Armed Forces because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Affected individuals will be able to request proof of eligibility and, if they receive a certificate of pardon, may also request to change the characterization of their discharge. The government is studying ways to contact these people, officials said.
In late 2013, the US Senate passed a measure that included the repeal of a military ban on consensual sex, defined in Article 125 of the Code of Military Justice as “unnatural carnal copulation,” according to the American Civil Liberties Union. The Senate sent the measure to former President Barack Obama for sanction, during which Biden served as vice president.
By Ezatamentchy
Source: Maxima
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