US: Secretary of Defense announces extension of benefits to same-sex military couples
The US Defense Secretary has confirmed recent reports that the Pentagon is to extend some benefits to same-sex military couples.
A statement from Leon Panetta, Secretary of Defense, referred to the repeal of the ban on openly gay military service people, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, which was repealed on 20 September 2011.
Today’s statement read: “We have implemented the repeal of that policy and made clear that discrimination based on sexual orientation has no place in the Department of Defense.
“It is a matter of fundamental equity that we provide similar benefits to all of those men and women in uniform who serve their country. The department already provides a group of benefits that are member-designated. Today, I am pleased to announce that after a thorough and deliberate review, the department will extend additional benefits to same-sex partners of service members.
“Extending these benefits is an appropriate next step under current law to ensure that all service members receive equal support for what they do to protect this nation.”
Referring to the Defense of Marriage Act, which still stands as law, defining marriage on a federal level as being exclusively between one man and one woman, Mr Panetta said that the scope of benefits which could be offered was limited.
He said that he did not foresee that it would be repealed during his time as Defense Secretary, but that he looked forward to a time when equal benefits were enjoyed by all.
Several states have found that DOMA is unconstitutional, and although it has not been repealed, in February 2011, President Barack Obama said his administration would cease enforcing the federal ban on equal marriage.
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