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In reply to the discussion: Wanna Know What Just Made This 6'1" 275 lb He-Man Cry? [View all]NYC_SKP
(68,644 posts)5. Here's a link to some of the background on this:
http://www.newser.com/article/da81k8no0/pentagon-plan-would-grant-benefits-to-same-sex-spouses-but-deny-them-to-unmarried-gay-couples.html
Pentagon plan would grant benefits to same-sex spouses but deny them to unmarried gay couples
Same-sex spouses may get military benefits
By LOLITA C. BALDOR | Associated Press | Aug 8, 2013 2:10 AM CDT in Politics
A draft Defense Department memo obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press says the department instead may provide up to 10 days of leave to military personnel in same-sex relationships so they can travel to states where they can marry legally.
The memo from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to top defense leaders, if implemented, would reverse an earlier plan that would have allowed the same-sex partners of military members to sign a declaration form in order to receive limited benefits, such as access to military stores and some health and welfare programs.
The recent Supreme Court decision extending federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples eliminates the need for such a plan, Hagel said in the draft.
"As the Supreme Court's ruling has made it possible for same-sex couples to marry and be afforded all benefits available to any military spouse and family, I have determined, consistent with the unanimous advice of the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that the spousal and family benefits far outweigh the benefits that could be extended under a declaration system," Hagel wrote.
snip
"Although we have bases and installations in all 50 states, not all state laws are equal when it comes to same-sex marriage," a defense official said. "That is why we are looking at providing extra leave for same-sex couples who want to get married to travel to a state where same-sex marriages are legal." The officials were not authorized to discuss the memo publicly, so spoke on condition of anonymity.
Same-sex spouses may get military benefits
By LOLITA C. BALDOR | Associated Press | Aug 8, 2013 2:10 AM CDT in Politics
A draft Defense Department memo obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press says the department instead may provide up to 10 days of leave to military personnel in same-sex relationships so they can travel to states where they can marry legally.
The memo from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to top defense leaders, if implemented, would reverse an earlier plan that would have allowed the same-sex partners of military members to sign a declaration form in order to receive limited benefits, such as access to military stores and some health and welfare programs.
The recent Supreme Court decision extending federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples eliminates the need for such a plan, Hagel said in the draft.
"As the Supreme Court's ruling has made it possible for same-sex couples to marry and be afforded all benefits available to any military spouse and family, I have determined, consistent with the unanimous advice of the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that the spousal and family benefits far outweigh the benefits that could be extended under a declaration system," Hagel wrote.
snip
"Although we have bases and installations in all 50 states, not all state laws are equal when it comes to same-sex marriage," a defense official said. "That is why we are looking at providing extra leave for same-sex couples who want to get married to travel to a state where same-sex marriages are legal." The officials were not authorized to discuss the memo publicly, so spoke on condition of anonymity.
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It's excellent news, but also kind of funny in what it seems to do. Freepers will freak out!
NYC_SKP
Aug 2013
#8
That is fantastically awesome. So happy to hear about this. First the DoS now the military
Number23
Aug 2013
#67
Some people at DU won't forgive the president for his past mistakes.
Liberal_Stalwart71
Aug 2013
#27
Straw man. This thread is about the LGBT community. I'll listen if you have a substantive response
Liberal_Stalwart71
Aug 2013
#45
I think this thread is about good news for gay people in the military. It is about the news
Bluenorthwest
Aug 2013
#72
Bluenorthwest, we both have been down this road before, and you should be ashamed of yourself.
Liberal_Stalwart71
Aug 2013
#88
This thread is about human rights writ large. Any move like this that advances the cause of human
HardTimes99
Aug 2013
#74
Absolutely!! We still have more work yet to do, but I'm happy that progress has been made.
Liberal_Stalwart71
Aug 2013
#89
Me too. I did not expect to see this EVER. Two weeks off to go marry a gay husband...
DonRedwood
Aug 2013
#58
Very true. THe military is also heavily investing in solar power...lol...wow...the military is prog
DonRedwood
Aug 2013
#59
I'm crying along with you! Hagel has redeemed himself to me and many others
mountain grammy
Aug 2013
#35
Making me cry, you big old meanie! No, I celebrate with you, Don! Read of this earlier. Thanx Obama!
freshwest
Aug 2013
#55
Very happy about this. Until there is actual, national equality people will have to
Bluenorthwest
Aug 2013
#73