Acknowledging and apologizing for the mistreatment of, and discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served the United States in the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and the Federal civil service.

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Introduced on June 28, 2024 by Jennifer McClellan

Cosponsors

Legislation Details

Acknowledges and apologizes for the mistreatment and discrimination against LGBT individuals who served in the U.S. uniformed services, Foreign Service, and Federal civil service.
Highlights the historical context of discrimination, including the termination and systematic screening of LGBT military service members, starting with a 1949 Department of Defense decree.
Mentions the enactment of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in 1993, which prohibited LGBT service members from disclosing their sexual orientation, leading to continued investigations and discharges.
Notes that at least 100,000 military service members were forced out between World War II and 2011 for being LGBT, with many others living in fear and being denied benefits.
Acknowledges the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2010 and the 2016 policy allowing transgender individuals to serve openly, which strengthened the Armed Forces.
References a 2023 initiative by the Department of Defense to review and potentially upgrade the discharges of veterans affected by their sexual orientation.
Discusses the anti-LGBT policies during the Cold War, including the termination of thousands of LGBT civilian employees and the Senate hearings led by Senator Joseph McCarthy.
Mentions Executive Order 10450 issued by President Eisenhower in 1953, which defined “perversion” as a security threat and led to widespread discrimination in government employment.
Highlights court rulings and executive orders that gradually ended discrimination against LGBT individuals in Federal civil service, including the prohibition of denying security clearances based on sexual orientation in 1995 and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in 2014.
Includes a formal apology issued by Secretary of State John Kerry in 2017 for discrimination against LGBT Foreign Service members and civilian employees.
Emphasizes the contributions of LGBT individuals to the United States despite facing discrimination.
Acknowledges apologies from other countries for similar discrimination and emphasizes the need for the U.S. to do the same.
Contains a disclaimer stating the resolution does not authorize or support any claims against the United States or serve as a settlement of any claims.

Last updated 8/28/2024