The pardon applies to military personnel convicted under Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which deemed people who engaged in "unnatural sexual relations" guilty of sodomy. Such U.S. law was in effect from 1954 until 2013, when Congress rewrote it.

"Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQ+ service members have been forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of these patriotic Americans have been court-martialed and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades", Biden said in a statement.

At the same time, such a decision by the American leader does not automatically strip a person of their criminal record, but allows the military to petition for it.

The Guardian explains that under the ruling, LGBTQ+ military personnel who were convicted solely on the basis of their sexual orientation can apply for a certificate of clemency, which would allow them to receive withheld payments.

• On June 16, 2024, Kyiv hosted an "Equality March" as part of KievPride 2024. Later, supporters of traditional values marched through the center of the capital.