Pardon of LGBTQI+ Service Members Wrongly Convicted
Today, President Biden pardoned thousands of former U.S. service members convicted for engaging in consensual sexual activity under the now-repealed UCMJ Article 125.
“Righting a historic wrong on this scale is one culmination of decades of advocacy, stretching from Frank Kameny and Mattachine to ONS and many of our close partners today,” said ONS CEO Luke Schleusener. “It’s proof that fighting for what’s right is always worth it.”
The move is a testament to the ability of the LGBTQIA+ community to effectively advocate the U.S. government for much-needed change, no matter how long it takes. We celebrate today’s historic decision while recognizing the negative impact that convictions had on thousands of Americans, include those who are no longer with us.
You can read President Biden’s statement on the pardon here.
