News Release

Date: July 9, 2024

Contact: Adam Spickler

Adam.Spickler@santacruzcountyca.gov | (831) 588-0692

FEDERAL PARDON TO LGBTQ+ VETERANS CONVICTED UNDER FORMER ARTICLE 125

Santa Cruz Veterans Service Office Can Help With Petitions, Benefits

On June 26, 2024, President Biden issued a pardon to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and

questioning (LGBTQ+) military service members who were forced out of the military and subject

to a court-martial because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. While the federal

government had already acted in 2014 to repeal Article 125, the Uniform Code of Military Justice

article that criminalized certain acts of homosexuality, this new presidential pardon allows those

veterans who were convicted under Article 125 prior to 2014 to apply for a certificate of pardon.

“Making sure all former service members, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender

identity, can access the benefits and services earned and afforded them through their military

services is our priority,” says Dean Kaufman, Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for the County of

Santa Cruz Human Services Department. “This pardon makes it easier for us to do our job locally

supporting LGBTQ+ former service members, and we feel confident that we can successfully

assist anyone needing our help moving forward.”

Those LGBTQ+ former military members affected by the pardon may seek assistance from the

County’s VSO for support applying for a certificate of pardon, which serves as the documented

proof that their conviction has been erased. The local VSO can also support pardoned veterans

to apply for an upgrade of military discharge, as well as to recover lost pay and benefits.

One such benefit critical to veterans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is

access to health benefits and medical services, including mental health support. “The timing of

this news couldn’t be better,” says Kaufman, who wants to make sure local LGBTQ+ veterans

become aware of an LGBTQ+ Veteran Mental Health Webinar hosted virtually by the Minority

and Underrepresented Veterans Division of the California Department of Veterans Affairs

(CalVet) on July 10. The webinar will cover mental health during active duty, ongoing struggles

after transitioning to civilian life, and available support services for LGBTQ+ veterans' well-being.

“Our hope is the news of this presidential pardon not only helps LGBTQ+ veterans reach out for

support if needed to apply for a pardon, but that it also motivates them to get engaged with

webinar opportunities like this.”

If you need assistance of any kind as a former service member of any identity, you can reach

out to the County’s Veterans Service Office for support:

Federal Pardon to LGBTQ+ Veterans