Democrats want to restore records of servicemembers discharged for being LGBT

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/06/19/democrats-want-to-restore-records-of-servicemembers-discharged-for-being-lgbt/



Democrats want to restore records of servicemembers discharged for being LGBT
By David Ferguson
Wednesday, June 19, 2013 14:34 EDT

Under new legislation proposed by Democrats Rep. Charlie Rangel (NY) and Rep. Mark Pocan (WI), U.S. military service members who were discharged because of their sexual orientation can now have their records restored to reflect their honorable service. A joint press release from the congressmen’s offices said that the “Restore Honor to Service Members Act” is designed to help the Department of Defense rectify its record of discrimination against LGBT service personnel and clear the records of an estimated 114,000 men and women who were forced out of the service since World War II and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in 2011.

“There are a lot of things that can be changed by a changed discharge status,” Pocan explained in an interview with Raw Story. “It puts you back in place for anything you’d be able to have as someone who’d been honorably discharged, which goes from the GI Bill to receiving veterans’ benefits to ceremonial burial rites,” including a flag for the veteran’s casket, an honor guard and 21-gun salute.

“In some states,” Pocan continued, “you’re blocked from voting or unemployment benefits because a dishonorable discharge can be considered a felony.”

In the press release, Pocan, who is co-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, said, “As we celebrate the considerable progress we’ve made toward full equality in our military, we cannot forget about those who continue to suffer because of the discriminatory policies of our past. Our legislation ensures that gay veterans who selflessly served our country no longer live with tarnished records that prohibit them from receiving the recognition, benefits and honors they deserve. By enshrining the implementation of the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ repeal into law, our country can finally close this dark chapter of our history and move forward.”