Pentagon reaches settlement with more than 35,000 gay and lesbian ex-service members

The Pentagon reached a historic legal settlement with over 35,000 gay and lesbian ex-service members who were discharged due to their sexual orientation.

Under the terms of the agreement announced Monday, the former service members are eligible to receive discharge paperwork that doesn't mention their sexual orientation. If the former service member was refused an honorable discharge, they can immediately receive an upgrade review, according to CBS News. 

The federal civil rights lawsuit was initially filed in August 2023. The settlement still has to receive approval from a federal judge.

"When I was discharged because of my sexual orientation, I felt that my country was telling me that my service was not valuable – that I was 'less than' because of who I loved," said Sherrill Farrell, a former member of the Navy who was a plaintiff in the case, according to the CBS News report. "Today, I am once again proud to have served my country by standing up for veterans like myself, and ensuring our honor is recognized."