More than 100,000 service members since World War II are estimated to have been forced out of the military for being gay, receiving a less-than-honorable discharge under old policies. During a Defense Department event this week celebrating June as LGBT Pride Month, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus called on gay and lesbian veterans to have their records corrected to reflect they served honorably.
Service members who received a less-than-honorable discharge have been denied access or had difficulty obtaining certain benefits, such as GI Bill and veterans healthcare, and have a greater challenge finding civilian employment.
“If you were discharged under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ come in,” Mabus said. “The Board of Corrections of Naval Records will take a look at changing that discharge characterization.”
