In a significant move to rectify past discrimination, over 800 military personnel have had their service records upgraded to honorable discharges by the Pentagon. These individuals were previously expelled from the military under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
The policy, which originated from the 1951 Uniform Code of Military Justice, criminalized consensual gay sex. It was eventually replaced by the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in 1993, under former President Bill Clinton. This policy prohibited LGBTQ troops from openly disclosing their sexual orientation while serving.
In 2011, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was repealed, allowing LGBTQ individuals to openly serve in the military. President Joe Biden recently issued pardons to service members who were convicted under past military policies.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin initiated a review of cases of former service members affected by the policy, estimating a total of about 13,500 individuals. With the recent upgrades, approximately 96% of these individuals have now received honorable discharges.
This positive development aims to recognize and honor the service of all troops, regardless of their sexual orientation, and to correct past injustices within the military.