Presidential Pardon Resources

Granting pardon for certain violations of Article 125 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice

Presidential Proclamation

"Our Nation has made tremendous progress in advancing the cause of equality for LGBTQI+ Americans, including in the military. Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Many of these patriotic Americans were subject to a court-martial. While my Administration has taken meaningful action to remedy these problems, the impact of that historical injustice remains. As Commander in Chief, I am committed to maintaining the finest fighting force in the world. That means making sure that every member of our military feels safe and respected."

Presidential Statement

"Today, I am righting an historic wrong by using my clemency authority to pardon many former service members who were convicted simply for being themselves. Our Nation’s service members stand on the frontlines of freedom, and risk their lives in order to defend our country. Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of these patriotic Americans were subject to court-martial, and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades.

As Commander in Chief, I am committed to maintaining the finest fighting force in the world. That means making sure that every member of our military is safe and respected – so they can focus on their mission.

This is about dignity, decency, and ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation. We have a sacred obligation to all of our service members – including our brave LGBTQI+ service members: to properly prepare and equip them when they are sent into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they return home. Today we are making progress in that pursuit. "

Guidance

On June 26, 2024, acting pursuant to the grant of authority in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of the United States, the President granted a full, complete, and unconditional pardon of unaggravated convictions based on consensual, private conduct with persons age 18 or older under Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), 10 U.S.C. § 925, as well as attempts, conspiracies, and solicitations under Articles 90, 81, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §§ 880, 881, 882.

Background

  • The proclamation applies to qualifying court-martial convictions occurring between May 31, 1951, and December 26, 2013. Individuals convicted of attempts, conspiracies, and solicitation to commit qualifying Article 125 offenses under Articles 80, 81, and 82 of the UCMJ are also pardoned.
  • The issuance of the June 26, 2024, proclamation technically pardoned all people covered by its terms. However, pardoned persons may need or want proof that they were pardoned to achieve the full benefits of the pardon.
  • The full benefits of pardon include removing restrictions against the right to vote, hold state or local office, or sit on a jury imposed because of the conviction. It may also be helpful in obtaining licenses, bonding, or employment. 
  • You can apply for a certificate of pardon under this Proclamation by completing an Application for Certificate of Pardon Following Completion of Sentence following the application instructions below.

Resources and Information

Service Points of Contact

 
 

Coast Guard

 

U.S. Coast Guard
Commandant (CG-LMJ)
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters
2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE
Washington, DC 20032
[email protected]

 
 

Air Force

 

U.S. Air Force
Office of the Judge Advocate General
Attention: AF/JAJI
1500 W. Perimeter Road, Suite 1300
Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, MD 20762
[email protected]

 
 

Army

 

U.S. Army
Office of The Judge Advocate General
ATTN: Criminal Law Division, (DAJA-CL)
2200 Army Pentagon, Washington, DC 20310-220
usarmy.pentagon.hqda-otjag.list.cld-ops-army-executive-pardons@army.mil

 
 

Navy / Marine Corps

 

U.S. Navy/U.S. Marine Corps
Office of the Judge Advocate General
Criminal Law Division (Code 20)
1254 Charles Morris Street S.E., Suite B01
Washington Navy Yard, D.C. 20374
[email protected]

CONTACT US

For more information and questions, send an email to: [email protected]