President Biden Signs ‘Historic’ Executive Order on How the U.S. Military Handles Sexual Assault Cases

U.S. President Joe Biden signed a “historic” executive order on Friday that will change how the military handles sexual assault cases, the White House said.

Biden, in a Twitter post, called the action an “important step forward.”

“Gender-based violence is an affront to our shared humanity. And sexual assault in the military shreds the unity essential to national defense,” Biden said. He added, “Keeping our country safe starts with prioritizing the safety of those who serve.”

The executive order amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) by transferring key decision-making powers from commanders to specialized, independent military prosecutors in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, murder, child abuse and other serious offenses. The changes, which implement reforms passed by Congress last year, mark “the most significant transformation” of the U.S. military justice system since the UCMJ was established in 1950, according to the White House.

Read the source article at ABC News