Pentagon Settles Landmark Lawsuit with LGBTQ+ Veterans over Discharge Status
status and get the benefits they had earned.
Back in 2011, LGBTQ veterans and activists had to campaign for years to convince the Obama administration to end the ban on gay and lesbian troops serving openly. Since then, integrating gay and lesbian soldiers has been praised as a triumph, with no negative impact on unit cohesion or combat readiness, according to the Pentagon. However, the plaintiffs in this lawsuit argue that despite these advancements, many veterans still faced obstacles due to stigma and bureaucratic hurdles preventing them from accessing the benefits they were entitled to.
Last October, the Pentagon announced a review of discharges under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, but the proposed settlement reached this week will accelerate the process significantly if approved. Instead of veterans having to apply individually, the settlement will streamline the review of records for large groups, allowing veterans to access VA benefits and receive Honorable Discharge papers as early as this summer.
“This proposed settlement is a significant step towards justice for LGBTQ+ veterans who bravely served our country, only to be stripped of the dignity and respect they deserved due to discriminatory discharge policies. It is an important milestone in addressing this long-standing injustice and ensuring these veterans finally receive the recognition they have been denied for so long,” stated Jocelyn Larkin, an attorney representing the plaintiffs’ legal team.
The Pentagon has deferred questions to the Department of Justice, which has declined to comment on the settlement. The LGBTQ+ veterans involved in the case are hopeful that this agreement will not only correct their military records but also help restore the honor and pride they have always deserved.
