The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that more than 800 military personnel who had been discharged under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy have had their service records upgraded to honorable discharges . This policy, which was in effect from 1993 to 2011, prohibited LGBTQ troops from openly serving in the US armed forces and led to the discharge of thousands of service members who disclosed their sexual orientation.
The announcement comes as part of broader efforts by the US government to rectify decades of discrimination. The roots of this issue date back to 1951, when Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) criminalized consensual same-sex activity.
Former President Bill Clinton ’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy modified this stance in 1993, allowing LGBTQ personnel to serve as long as they did not disclose their sexual orientation. However, it was not until 2011 that Congress fully repealed the policy, allowing for open service by LGBTQ members in the military. Additionally, in 2013, the UCMJ was updated to decriminalize consensual same-sex activity, narrowing the scope of Article 125 to cover only nonconsensual acts.
The move to upgrade discharges is part of a review initiated last year by defense secretary Lloyd Austin. The Pentagon estimates that approximately 13,500 service members were discharged under “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Of those, many were issued less-than-honorable discharges, which stripped them of military benefits such as educational assistance and impacted their civilian employment prospects.
By upgrading more than 800 discharges, the Pentagon said that 96% of the affected personnel now have honorable discharges. However, not all of the 13,500 discharges required review. Some service members were already discharged, while others did not serve long enough to qualify for benefits or were not eligible for upgrades due to other violations.
Defense secretary Austin reaffirmed the Pentagon’s commitment to honoring all who have served, saying, “We will continue to honor the service and the sacrifice of all our troops — including the brave Americans who raised their hands to serve but were turned away because of whom they love. We will continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country.”
This decision also aligns with President Joe Biden’s recent move in June to issue pardons to service members convicted under repealed military policies, further illustrating the government’s efforts to undo the damage caused by historical discrimination.
The announcement comes as part of broader efforts by the US government to rectify decades of discrimination. The roots of this issue date back to 1951, when Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) criminalized consensual same-sex activity.
Former President Bill Clinton ’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy modified this stance in 1993, allowing LGBTQ personnel to serve as long as they did not disclose their sexual orientation. However, it was not until 2011 that Congress fully repealed the policy, allowing for open service by LGBTQ members in the military. Additionally, in 2013, the UCMJ was updated to decriminalize consensual same-sex activity, narrowing the scope of Article 125 to cover only nonconsensual acts.
The move to upgrade discharges is part of a review initiated last year by defense secretary Lloyd Austin. The Pentagon estimates that approximately 13,500 service members were discharged under “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Of those, many were issued less-than-honorable discharges, which stripped them of military benefits such as educational assistance and impacted their civilian employment prospects.
By upgrading more than 800 discharges, the Pentagon said that 96% of the affected personnel now have honorable discharges. However, not all of the 13,500 discharges required review. Some service members were already discharged, while others did not serve long enough to qualify for benefits or were not eligible for upgrades due to other violations.
Defense secretary Austin reaffirmed the Pentagon’s commitment to honoring all who have served, saying, “We will continue to honor the service and the sacrifice of all our troops — including the brave Americans who raised their hands to serve but were turned away because of whom they love. We will continue to strive to do right by every American patriot who has honorably served their country.”
This decision also aligns with President Joe Biden’s recent move in June to issue pardons to service members convicted under repealed military policies, further illustrating the government’s efforts to undo the damage caused by historical discrimination.
You may also like
PM Modi to attend Haryana Govt's oath-taking ceremony, security beefed up
Did Nani reject a role in Vettaiyan? Netizens call it a good decision
Omar Abdullah takes oath as first chief minister of Union territory Jammu and Kashmir
Israel strikes southern suburbs of Beirut for first time in nearly a week
J&K: 68 Houses Damaged As Fire Breaks Out In Kishtwar's Mulwarwan Village; Rehabilitation Underway, Visuals Surface
Gujarat Board Exam Dates 2025 Announced: How to Check Class 10, 12 Schedule?
England announcement LIVE: Thomas Tuchel start date emerges as Kane makes feelings clear
Nick Jonas rushes off stage after laser incident at Prague concert, video goes viral
Embarrassing! Seatings At Chinnaswamy Stadium Filled With Dirt And Bird Excretion As Rain Delays Start Of IND vs NZ 1st Test; Video
Ghaziabad SHOCKER: Maid uses urine to knead dough for 8 years; arrested
Mobile-Aadhaar Link: Forgot which mobile number is linked to your Aadhaar? Find out sitting at home..
Optical illusion shows whether you're 'strong-willed and stubborn' or 'caring and likeable'
World Food Day 2024: Date, Theme, History And Significance
No delay on BSNL 4G delivery, in talks with others for 4G-5G stack: TCS
Bengaluru rains: IT, BT firms advised to allow work from home on October 16
Royal Enfield Teases First Electric Bike, Debut Scheduled for EICMA 2024
UPI Update: If you are transacting money through mobile, then know the new limit of UPI transactions and wallet..
Women's T20 WC Semi-final: Australia start overwhelming favourites against South Africa
Viewers declare No.1 contestant of Bigg Boss 18 already!
Celebrate Diwali tension free, PhonePe is offering Firecracker Insurance plan of Rs 25,000 for just Rs 9