The Pentagon has identified some benefits that can be extended to gay and lesbian spouses of military members in spite of DOMA. Matthew Tharrett at Queerty reports:
Beginning September 1, LGBT servicemember spouses will be eligible to receive identification cards allowing them to claim education, survivor, commissary, travel, counseling and transportation benefits. Although the Defense of Marriage Act currently restricts health care and housing to heterosexual couples, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the benefits will most likely be extended to same-sex couples at some point. “These benefits shall be extended to the same-sex domestic partners and, where applicable, children of same-sex domestic partners, once the service member and their same-sex domestic partner have signed a declaration attesting to the existence of their committed relationship,” Panetta added.
Of course, the Supreme Court ruling on DOMA may make this whole thing moot.
