Gay Spouses Could Soon Get Military Benefits

Religion Today | Updated: Aug 08, 2013

Gay Spouses Could Soon Get Military Benefits

The Pentagon could begin extending benefits to gay spouses in the military by the end of the August, under a new proposal by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, CBN News reports. The proposal would give same-sex spouses access to military health care and housing programs. Meanwhile, an earlier plan to provide benefits to gay partners who are not married is being reconsidered. The Pentagon might instead give same-sex couples 10 days of leave to travel to states where they can marry legally. "Although we have bases and installations in all 50 states, not all state laws are equal when it comes to same-sex marriage," said one defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "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 Pentagon would not be able to begin implementing the plan until the Justice Department completes its review.



Gay Spouses Could Soon Get Military Benefits