Veterans Kicked Out Of The Military Because They Are Gay May Get Help From Democrats’ New Bill

Service members discharged solely due to their sexual orientation may soon see their military records corrected to reflect their honorable service. 

It is estimated that more than 100,000 Americans were discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation since World War II. Even though the ban on gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members was essentially lifted with the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” back in 2011, numerous veterans are still negatively impacted by their dishonorable discharge. For example, many are disqualified from accessing certain benefits that they are entitled to. Others may not be able to claim veteran status or could find it more difficult to acquire civilian employment. Some could even be prevented from voting.

That’s why, on July 15, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Charles Rangel (D-NY) along with U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) reintroduced the Restore Honor to Service Members Act. The proposed legislation, first introduced into the House in 2013 and the Senate in 2014, would help service members discharged solely due to their sexual orientation correct their military records to reflect their honorable service and reinstate the benefits they earned.  

“As our nation continues to make great strides toward full equality, we must also do everything possible to rectify the effects of past discriminatory policies,” said Representative Pocan. “Our veterans risked their lives for our country, and it is crucial that those discharged from the armed forces due to their sexual orientation receive the recognition and benefits they deserve. The Restore Honor to Service Members Act streamlines this process, ensuring their service is respected and valued in the eyes of our country.”

“I am proud to re-introduce the Restore Honor to Service Members Act together with Senator Schatz and Congressman Pocan,” said Representative Rangel. “As a Korean War veteran, I understand how much this recognition means for our Service Members who faced discrimination. It is about time we pay proper tribute to the veterans who deserve to be honored for their valiant service to our country. Seeking redress for them is not only the right thing to do but also will correct historical injustice.”

“From the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to the Supreme Court’s historic ruling on marriage equality, we have made great strides in the fight to end discrimination.  But there is still more work to be done to protect and promote full equality and ensure we help right our past wrongs,” said Senator Schatz. “Today, thousands of brave men and women who served our country are still denied the benefits and honorable service record they deserve. It’s long past time we honor our commitment to all our service members and finally restore the dignity of gay and lesbian veterans who were unjustly discharged from our military.”

“The Restore Honor to Service Members Act will help streamline the process for veterans to clear their records of discriminatory discharges,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Veterans who honorably serve our nation should not be defending themselves against unwarranted punishment based solely on sexual orientation. Our service members deserve to receive the recognition they earned for their sacrifice and courage.”

Believing there is strong bipartisan support for the measure, Matt Thorn, Interim Executive Director for OutServe-SLDN, said, “I urge the leadership in both chambers, Speaker of the House of Representative John Boehner and United States Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the respective committees chairs, Representative Mac Thornberry and Senator John McCain, to allow this legislation its day in committee and for a vote on the floor.” 

The legislation is supported by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, VoteVets.org, OutServe-SLDN, the Human Rights Campaign, American Veterans for Equal Rights, Lambda Legal, Swords to Plowshares, the American Bar Association, Universal Unitarian Association, and the American Humanist Association.

The Restore Honor to Service Members Act has 97 cosponsors and has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. The bill is also cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.). 

 

Image by Matthew Bietz via Flickr and a CC license