EXCLUSIVE: New figures reveal the scope of past military discrimination against gay and lesbian service members, with more than 29,000 denied honorable discharge.
against gay and lesbian service members, revealing that more than 29,000 individuals kicked out because of their sexuality were denied honorable discharges.
According to the data, 35,801 individuals"received a discharge or separation because of real or perceived homosexuality, homosexual conduct, sexual perversion, or any other related reason from the period October 1, 1980 to September 20, 2011." Of those cases, 81% were denied honorable discharges in the form of a general discharge, other than honorable discharge, bad conduct discharge or dishonorable discharge.
While it's unclear why the figures from the Defense Department's Office of Legal Policy differ from those provided by its own Freedom of Information Division, it is not surprising, experts told CBS News. Scholars, activists, and lawmakers have wrestled for years with how to count and identify these individuals in the absence of clarity and transparency from the military itself.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Exhibits at New York City museums celebrate LGBTQ artists & life in the cityA pair of museum exhibits in New York City are celebrating Pride. DaveCarlinTV reports these two LGBTQ-themed art shows take visitors back to the first decade of the 1900s, right up to current times.
Read more »
Small towns lead a new wave of LGBTQ+ pride eventsPride parades and events are a way to celebrate civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community.Usually, these parades take place in major cities, but now small towns like Leadville, Colorado...
Read more »
Elton John says America is going backward with ‘disgraceful’ anti-LGBTQ+ lawsBritish singer Elton John has criticized anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the United States, singling out “laws enacted in Florida” as “disgraceful,” and says he will no longer hold residencies in America.
Read more »
Opinion: Why are LGBTQ+ rights back in political play again?How does this get attention over real issues of climate degradation, gun violence, homelessness, poverty and economic inequality?
Read more »
Glendale school board meeting once again ground zero for dueling LGBTQ+ protestsPro- and anti-LGBTQ+ activists are again expected to meet at the Glendale Unified School District office for the final board of education meeting of the year, two weeks after demonstrations at the district office broke out in violence.
Read more »
At dueling LGBTQ+ protests outside Glendale school board meeting, violence erupts — againPro- and anti-LGBTQ+ activists are again expected to meet at the Glendale Unified School District office for the final board of education meeting of the year, two weeks after demonstrations at the district office broke out in violence.
Read more »