President Joe Biden has issued a proclamation granting pardons to thousands of U.S. veterans who were convicted under a military law that prohibited gay sex, thereby allowing them to now seek benefits that were previously denied.

In a statement released early Wednesday, Biden described this act as correcting a significant historical injustice by pardoning former service members who were convicted simply for being themselves.

The ban on gay sex had been in place for over sixty years until Congress amended Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in 2013, following the repeal of “don’t ask don’t tell.”

“Despite their bravery and significant sacrifices, thousands of LGBTQI+ service members were expelled from the military due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Many of these patriotic Americans faced court-martial and have carried the weight of this profound injustice for decades,” Biden stated.

Affected veterans will be granted a pardon automatically. However, to access healthcare and benefits previously withheld, each service member must provide evidence of their eligibility, according to a senior administration official.

Upon receiving a pardon certificate, veterans can then pursue a change in their discharge characterization, the official explained. Detailed instructions will be published on the Defense Department’s website, and the Justice Department will communicate additional information directly to veterans.

The Biden administration has estimated that thousands of individuals were convicted under Article 125 before its revision by Congress. Officials acknowledged uncertainty regarding the number of veterans who may seek benefits, the timeline for processing applications, and the specific outreach strategy for veterans who are homeless.

The administration plans to provide further guidance on these matters as they develop procedures for pardon certificates and discharge characterization changes. They are committed to ensuring that affected veterans receive the support and benefits they are entitled to, including those who may be experiencing homelessness.

In a statement, President Biden emphasized his commitment to upholding the highest standards for the U.S. military, ensuring that every member is safe and respected.

“This is about dignity, decency, and ensuring that the culture of our Armed Forces reflects the values that define us as an exceptional nation,” Biden affirmed. He underscored that maintaining the finest fighting force in the world requires creating an environment where all service members are treated with dignity and respect.

In a stark contrast from Biden’s statement it is worth mentioning that after January 6th National Guard troops called to protect the Capitol were forced to sleep in a parking garage.