The Pentagon has upgraded the service records of more than 800 military personnel who were previously kicked out of the military under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. This move is part of ongoing efforts to undo past discrimination against LGBTQ service members. The policy, which was in effect from 1993 to 2011, prohibited LGBTQ troops from openly serving in the military. President Joe Biden announced in June that he would issue pardons to service members convicted under repealed military policies, further rectifying past injustices.
Under “don’t ask, don’t tell,” thousands of service members had their military service ended without an honorable discharge, depriving them of military benefits and potentially affecting their future job prospects. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a review of cases of former service members who were affected by the policy last year. The Pentagon estimates that about 13,500 service members were released from military service under this policy, and with the recent upgrades, about 96% of those affected have now received an honorable discharge.
The 1951 Uniform Code of Military Justice’s Article 125 had previously criminalized consensual gay sex, but in 2011, Congress repealed the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, allowing LGBTQ troops to openly serve in the military. The code was modified in 2013 to only apply to nonconsensual gay sex. The upgrades to the service records of over 800 troops represent a significant step towards correcting past injustices and honoring the service and sacrifice of all troops, including LGBTQ service members who were turned away because of their sexual orientation.
Not every case of the 13,500 service members affected by the policy required review. Some personnel did not serve long enough to qualify for benefits, were released with an honorable discharge at the time, had already had their discharges upgraded through other means, or did not qualify for an upgrade due to other violations. The Pentagon’s efforts to rectify past discrimination and ensure that LGBTQ service members receive the respect and benefits they deserve reflect a commitment to doing right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized in a statement that the military will continue to honor the service and sacrifice of all troops, including those who were turned away because of whom they love. The upgrades to the service records of over 800 military personnel represent a concrete step towards rectifying past injustices and ensuring that LGBTQ service members are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. As the military continues to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country, these upgrades mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to undo past discrimination and support all service members, regardless of their sexual orientation.
