Merkley, Wyden Join Senate Resolution Apologizing for Historic Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Federal Workers and Service Members

Oregon — Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have joined a Senate resolution formally acknowledging and apologizing for decades of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals who served in the U.S. military, federal civil service, and Foreign Service.

The resolution, led by Tim Kaine and Tammy Baldwin, recognizes what supporters describe as a long history of government policies that resulted in LGBTQ+ Americans losing careers, military service opportunities, and professional reputations because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“America is at its best when everyone can live as their authentic self—no matter who they are or whom they love,” Merkley said in a statement. “For decades, our government mistreated and discriminated against LGBTQ+ civil servants, Foreign Service Officers, and members of our military simply for being themselves. This resolution is a long overdue, critical step towards acknowledging and repairing the harm done to LGBTQ+ Americans who have bravely served our country.”

Wyden said the resolution addresses a historic injustice.

“It’s long past time to face the hard historic truth that LGBTQ+ Americans suffered for far too long the loss of jobs and the ruin of reputations simply for loving who they love,” Wyden said. “America has a long way to go before achieving true equality. But this resolution takes one good step toward reaching that goal by publicly recognizing the many harms inflicted on LGBTQ+ Americans and genuinely apologizing for them.”

According to the senators, federal discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees dates back to the early 1940s, including the period commonly known as the “Lavender Scare,” during which thousands of federal employees lost jobs or faced discrimination because of their sexual orientation. The resolution also cites estimates that at least 100,000 LGBTQ+ service members were discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces between World War II and 2011, including under the military’s former “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which prohibited openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals from serving.

The resolution also references more recent federal policy changes. In 2014, then-President Barack Obama signed Executive Order 13672, which prohibited discrimination by the federal government and federal contractors based on sexual orientation or gender identity. During the administration of Joe Biden, the Department of Defense initiated reviews of discharge records for service members separated because of their sexual orientation.

The senators’ announcement criticizes actions taken by the administration of Donald Trump, including rescinding Executive Order 13672 and implementing a policy restricting transgender individuals from military service. The release states that the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has ruled that the transgender military ban is likely unconstitutional.

Merkley has long sponsored the Equality Act, legislation that would add federal civil rights protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Wyden is among the Senate co-sponsors of the bill. The two senators have also supported legislation and resolutions recognizing LGBTQ+ veterans and service members, including efforts to designate September 20 as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day.

The Senate resolution is a statement of congressional recognition and apology. It does not create new legal rights or authorize compensation for those affected by past discrimination.