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Image source: Los Angeles Times / Wally Skalij)
BY DANNY MATTESON
Just months after the repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the Department of
Defense is now moving to extend benefits to same-sex couples.
"For the first time, same-sex couples can take advantage of the same benefits their
married colleagues get." (Via KXAS)
In a statement released Wednesday, Secretary
of Defense Chuck Hagel wrote, "This will provide accelerated access to the full range
of benefits offered to married military couples throughout the department and help level the
playing field between opposite-sex and same-sex couples seeking to be married." (Via Department
of Defense)
According to the statement, benefits will include enrollment in health care coverage,
housing benefits, and separation allowances — all retroactive to the Supreme Court's
July ruling against DOMA. (Via WVIR)
The president of The American Military Partner Association — a network for LGBT servicemembers
and veterans — responded to the DOD's move, calling it overdue. Quoted by Politico, he
said, "The extension of equal benefits for all legally married spouses, regardless of
*** orientation, is a huge step forward for our families who for far too long have
been excluded and cut off from support." (Via The American Military Partner Association, Politico)
The change will also take into account service members stationed where same-sex marriage
is still illegal — offering up to 10 days leave to travel to one of the 13 states or
Washington D.C., where they can be legally married. (Via Business Insider, Talking
Points Memo)
Benefits will be available starting Sept.
3. The move comes nearly two years after the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" — a change
that allowed openly gay troops to serve.