Reuters reports:

German lawmakers voted for legislation on Thursday to rehabilitate soldiers who for decades faced discrimination, discharge or convictions on the basis of their sexual orientation.

Until the year 2000, Germany’s military considered that homosexuals posed a threat to the discipline of the troops and were not suitable as superior officers. Gay soldiers could be denied promotions, discharged from military service or even criminally convicted.

Under the new law, soldiers can ask for such convictions to be expunged, and they are entitled to some financial compensation.

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