Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced pardons for former service members who were convicted of crimes related to their gender identity or sexual orientation. Following the pardons, Cait Smith, director of LGBTQI+ Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
As long as the United States has had a military, there have been LGBTQI+ members in it who have served honorably. This action is historic and critical; by granting these pardons, President Biden is righting a wrong. On a personal note, as a queer person who served after the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” I am able to use Veterans Affairs benefits to become a homeowner—benefits that are life-changing for me. Thousands of veterans in my community didn’t get the same opportunity, being convicted of crimes only due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. These pardons will change lives.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Julia Cusick at [email protected].