What's this?
A
bill, the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2012 [MSET], has been introduced
in Congress and it would change the definition of "spouse" in
four areas of U.S. Code
related to recognition, support, and benefits for married service members and
veterans. These changes would ensure that spouses of the same gender are
eligible for key military benefits.
Equality say
what?
Aubrey
Sarvis, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network [SLDN]
says: "Our nation's senior military leaders
and commanders on the ground are increasingly uncomfortable with administering
two classes of recognition, support and benefits for our nation's service
members - one for straight service members and a different one for their gay
and lesbian peers. There cannot be two classes of service members, and this
legislation addresses that effectively."
And, in
addition, the Department of Defense General
Counsel Jeh Johnson also mentioned the disparity between same-sex and
opposite-sex couples: "The repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' exposes
certain inequalities between similarly situated couples in the military
community. This troubles many of our leaders."
The
bill was introduced by House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, and
Democrat...naturally...Adam Smith of Washington. His bill adds a favorable
definition of "spouse" to Title 37 to provide greater uniformity of
benefits for same-sex spouses. Together with MSET, this new bill would extend
dozens of important spousal benefits and support programs to same-gender
spouses, including coverage under TriCare insurance, an increased housing
allowance, and survivor benefits.
As
it should be, if all things were equal. So let's hope this bill passes, because
a step for same-sex married couples anywhere is progress for same-sex couples
everywhere.via SLDN
crossing fingers!
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