Biden pardons veterans convicted under military ban on gay sex | BBC News

Summary

Steve Morose, once jailed under the now-defunct Article 125 for consensual sodomy, discusses the announcement of his pardon by President Joe Biden. Morose reflects on the emotional impact of the conviction and its lingering effects on his life and career. Despite optimism about the pardon, he acknowledges the process is not yet complete. The interview touches on the broader implications of such pardons and the personal and societal costs of past injustices.

Takeaways

• 🏳️‍🌈 President Joe Biden is pardoning Steve Morose and thousands of others who were convicted under laws targeting homosexuality.
• 🎉 Steve Morose expresses a mix of excitement and caution, acknowledging that a pardon process still needs to be followed for the pardon to be official.
• 📝 The pardon applies to those convicted under Article 125 for consensual sodomy, purely based on sexual orientation.
• 🚫 The conviction has had a significant impact on Steve's life and career, causing emotional distress and limiting job opportunities.
• 💼 Despite living in a state where the conviction is not considered a felony, Steve has faced professional hurdles due to his criminal record.
• 👮‍♂️ Steve was denied a job with the police department as a dispatcher due to his record, even though he scored highly for the position.
• 🌐 The conviction has affected Steve's ability to travel internationally, with Canada refusing entry based on his record.
• 🏢 In the financial industry, Steve has had to repeatedly explain his record during background checks when changing jobs.
• 🏠 The conviction could potentially affect Steve's ability to rent or engage in activities requiring background checks.
• 👀 Steve is concerned about the perception of his Article 125 conviction, which could make him appear as a sexual offender despite the charges being consensual.
• ⏳ Steve acknowledges the trauma and loss from his time in military prison and the financial and career impacts of his early military discharge.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the interview with Steve Morose on BBC News?

The main topic is President Joe Biden's pardon of Steve Morose and thousands of others who were convicted under the now-defunct 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, specifically for being gay.

How does Steve Morose describe his feelings about the pardon announcement?

Steve describes his feelings as 'metered excitement and enthusiasm' because although the pardon is a positive step, it is not a completed process and there are parameters and an application process for the pardon to be granted.

What was the specific law under which Steve Morose was convicted?

Steve Morose was convicted under Article 125, which pertained to consensual sodomy, purely based on his sexual orientation.

How has the conviction affected Steve Morose's life and career over the years?

The conviction has had a significant impact on Steve's life and career, causing emotional distress, affecting his ability to find certain jobs, and complicating his financial and travel situations due to the need to constantly explain and justify his record.

What is one example Steve gives of how his conviction has hindered his professional opportunities?

Steve mentions that despite scoring highly for a dispatcher job with the police department, he was unable to secure the position due to his criminal record.

What challenges has Steve faced in the financial industry because of his conviction?

In the financial industry, Steve has had to undergo background checks every time he changes jobs, which requires him to revisit and explain his conviction, potentially affecting his employment prospects.

How has Steve's conviction affected his ability to travel internationally?

Steve's conviction has resulted in him being unable to enter Canada, as they do not allow entry for individuals with such a record, regardless of the nature of the conviction.

What is the current status of Article 125 in relation to Steve's conviction?

Article 125 now only pertains to non-consensual acts, such as sexual assault, after President Obama removed consensual sodomy from the article in 2013. However, Steve's conviction still stands and could be misinterpreted by those unfamiliar with the history of the law.

What are some of the long-term effects Steve experienced from his time in military prison?

Steve experienced trauma from his time in military prison, which changed him deeply and had lasting emotional impacts. He also mentions the financial implications, such as having to pay back for his college education and the early end to his military career.

Why does Steve believe the pardon process has taken so long to materialize?

Steve does not provide a specific reason for the delay but acknowledges the frustration and inertia within the government and the Pentagon. He hopes that his case and the attention it received may have contributed to the eventual movement on the issue.

What is Steve's stance on the pardon process and its potential impact on others?

Steve is glad that the pardon process has begun but also expresses a selfish desire to have his own situation rectified. He sees the pardon as a way to make things right for himself and to champion the cause for others who have been similarly affected.