April 24, 2025 5:19 am
Full News

Pentagon Reaches Historic Settlement with LGBTQ+ Veterans Over Discharges

The Pentagon has agreed to a groundbreaking legal settlement with over 35,000 LGBTQ+ veterans who were dismissed from the military due to their sexual orientation. Many of these veterans were denied honorable discharges and, as a result, were deprived of essential benefits and services they had earned during their service, CBS News reports.

As part of the agreement, veterans whose discharge records cited their sexual orientation as the reason for separation will no longer need to endure a complicated legal process. They will be able to have their discharge paperwork revised to remove any reference to their sexuality. Additionally, those who were denied an honorable discharge will be eligible for an expedited review to upgrade their status.

Sherrill Farrell, a U.S. Navy veteran and plaintiff in the case, shared her experience: “When I was discharged because of my sexual orientation, I felt that my country was telling me my service wasn’t valuable — that I was ‘less than’ because of who I loved. Today, I am proud to stand up for veterans like myself and ensure our honor is recognized.”

The settlement, which still requires approval from a federal judge, seeks to resolve the claims of LGBTQ+ veterans who were dismissed under discriminatory policies before the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in 2011. The veterans filed a civil rights lawsuit in August 2023, accusing the Department of Defense of failing to grant them honorable discharges or correct biased language in their records.

The class-action lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, argues that the Pentagon’s failure to address these issues constitutes an ongoing violation of constitutional rights.

Although it has been over a decade since the military lifted its ban on openly gay and lesbian troops, many veterans discharged under prior policies still carry less-than-honorable discharges, denying them access to benefits such as VA loans, college tuition assistance, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

A CBS News investigation revealed the Pentagon’s long-standing failure to rectify the service records of thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans who were denied benefits after being forced out due to their sexual orientation. These veterans’ often traumatic separations have had lasting impacts on their lives.

Under the settlement, LGBTQ+ veterans who were honorably discharged but whose separation was due to their sexual orientation will have their records updated to eliminate any reference to it. Veterans who were denied honorable discharges will be entitled to a streamlined review process for an upgrade.

“This settlement provides overdue justice for LGBTQ+ veterans who served with honor but were stripped of recognition and dignity because of discriminatory discharge policies,” said Elizabeth Kristen, senior staff attorney at Legal Aid at Work, which helped file the suit. “This is a vital step toward rectifying a deep injustice and ensuring these veterans receive the respect they deserve.”

In recent months, the Pentagon has made several pledges to address past wrongs against LGBTQ+ veterans. However, both the Pentagon and the Department of Justice declined to comment on the proposed settlement.

When the civil rights suit was initially filed, a Pentagon spokesperson pointed to efforts to streamline the discharge upgrade process, citing a two-page application and the elimination of the need for legal representation. They also noted that discharge review boards strive to resolve 90% of cases within 10 months, as mandated by law.

However, the lawsuit, which was backed by the Impact Fund, Legal Aid at Work, and law firms King & Spalding LLP and Haynes & Boone LLP, criticized this approach as “constitutionally inadequate.” The plaintiffs argued that veterans were still burdened with lengthy delays and the difficulty of retrieving old personnel records before submitting applications.

Although the lawsuit did not seek financial compensation, the settlement includes a $350,000 payment to cover the plaintiffs’ legal fees.

“This case isn’t about financial damages,” explained Jocelyn Larkin, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs. “It’s about changing that one piece of paper, which will have an immense impact on our clients’ lives.”

While the exact scope of past discrimination remains unclear, Larkin believes the lawsuit will help at least 35,000 veterans identified in a Defense Department Freedom of Information Act request, first reported by CBS News in June 2023. The total number could be even higher. According to the latest Pentagon data, only 1,375 veterans have received a discharge upgrade or record correction to date.

Related News
13 Cuban soldiers missing after ammunition explosion
Captain America 4 to Be One of MCU’s Shortest Films
US Secretary of State Criticized by Journalists Over Gaza Issue
Russia Warns South Korea Against Supplying Weapons to Ukraine
Bangladesh Seeks Urgent Rice Aid from India Amidst Rising Anti-Indian Sentiments
Ravens Overcome 14-Point Deficit to Defeat Bengals 35-34 in Thrilling AFC North Clash
Related Posts
MIDI Strategic Vision: Analysis of Development and Economic Impact in Bangladesh.
Title: South Asia’s Growth Prospects Declining Alarmingly: World Bank
India Declares Pakistani Military Advisers ‘Persona Non Grata’
India Cancels Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan Following Kashmir Attack
Swachip Office Vandalized Amid Political Turmoil : Bangladeshi Doctors’ Body Blames ‘Illegitimate Yunus Government’
Modi Avoids Pakistani Airspace on Return from Saudi Arabia
More News

The interim government of Bangladesh could not control the rise in commodity prices by taking effective measures to control them.

The interim government of Bangladesh could not control the rise in commodity prices by taking effective measures to control them.As a result, the government has no visible role to fulfill the expectations of the people. The role of the government for almost three months is questioning the reception of the student-crowd of ’24. Also, due […]

Kremlin Confirms Upcoming US-Russia Talks Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

The Kremlin announced on March 20 that the next round of US-Russia talks could occur on March 23 or early next week, coinciding with planned discussions between Washington and Kyiv in Saudi Arabia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the exact date is still under negotiation, suggesting the talks might begin at the start of […]

Ukraine Uses U.S.-Supplied ATACMS Missiles to Strike Inside Russia for First Time

For the first time, Ukraine has deployed U.S.-provided long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike targets inside Russia, escalating the conflict amid rising tensions. The attack targeted Russia’s Bryansk region near the northern Ukrainian border early Tuesday. According to Russia’s defense ministry, five missiles were intercepted, while fragments from a damaged missile caused a […]

IMF Withholds Loan Installment for Bangladesh

After a two-week visit, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has withheld approval for the next loan installment for Bangladesh. Instead of a green light, the IMF has issued a “last chance” warning, stating that although Bangladesh is on the right path, further reforms are required. If all conditions are met promptly, a final decision may […]

Report Highlights 74% Increase in Hate Speech in India During 2024

A significant surge in instances of hate speech across India in 2024, particularly during the national elections, has been documented in a new report by the Washington-based India Hate Lab. The findings revealed a 74% increase from the previous year, with a total of 1,165 recorded instances, predominantly targeting the Muslim community. Election Rhetoric and […]

Trump Issues Ultimatum to Gaza: Release Hostages or Face Consequences

March 6, 2025: US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to the people of Gaza and the Hamas militant group, demanding the release of hostages or face severe consequences. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. […]

EU and Mercosur Finalize Landmark Free Trade Deal After Two Decades

The European Union (EU) and Mercosur, South America’s primary trade bloc, have reached a historic agreement on a free trade deal after over 20 years of negotiations. The announcement was made on Friday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Montevideo, Uruguay.“This is a win-win agreement,” von der Leyen declared during a joint […]

Glen Powell Excited for ‘The Running Man’ Remake

Hollywood actor Glen Powell has officially wrapped filming on the highly anticipated remake of the 1987 action classic The Running Man. Powell took to Instagram to share the news with fans, posting a behind-the-scenes image alongside director Edgar Wright, holding a giant movie slate. “That’s a picture wrap on The Running Man! All my love […]

Meet the 2024 Democratic and Republican Candidates Ahead of Election Night

As election night approaches, here’s a look at the candidates on the Democratic and Republican tickets vying for the presidency. Kamala Harris, the Democratic Presidential Candidate Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee for president. Born to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, Harris grew up in Oakland, California, and rose through the political […]

Real Madrid celebrates goal in Minera’s net.

There are no first-choice forwards in the starting XI. Yet Carlo Ancelotti did not have to think a point for the goal. Real Madrid blew away Deportiva Minera, who were lagging behind in strength, ability. Europe’s most successful team won 5-0 in the last 32 matches of the Copa del Rey on Monday night. Arda […]