“This is about dignity, decency, and ensuring the culture of our Armed Forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation,” Biden said in a statement. “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.”
The White House also stated that other offenses that affected LGBTQI+ individuals in the military but do not fall within the guidelines for the blanket pardon would be considered on an expedited case-by-case basis.