Joe Biden has moved to correct a “great injustice” by pardoning thousands of US veterans convicted over six decades under a military law that banned gay sex.

The presidential proclamation, which comes during Pride month and an election year, allows LGBTQ+ service members convicted of crimes based solely on their sexual orientation to apply for a certificate of pardon that will help them receive withheld benefits.

It grants clemency to service members convicted under Uniform Code of Military Justice article 125 – which criminalised sodomy, including between consenting adults – between 1951 and 2013, when it was rewritten by Congress.

That includes victims of the 1950s “lavender scare”, a witch-hunt in which many LGBTQ+ people employed by the federal government were viewed as security risks amid fears their sexual orientation made them vulnerable to blackmail. Thousands were investigated and fired or denied employment.

    • Dagwood222@lemm.ee
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      6 days ago

      Seven hours went by between my post and your response.

      The funniest thing I can imagine is you in those seven hours.

      Did it take you seven hours to come up with such a witty response?

      Or seven hours to work up the nerve to send it?

      Or did you go to your burger flipping job and then fly into a rage?

      Or seven hours arguing with your Mom about why you aren’t outside on such a nice day?

      Whatever it was, I am sure I’ll be laughing at your next message just as hard.

      You are a funny, funny person.