WASHINGTON — The Defense Department is not extending some housing benefits to same-sex partners of service members even though it legally could because the complex issue requires more review and has triggered concerns among military leaders, senior Pentagon officials said Monday.
A new department memo detailed a number of other benefits that will be extended to same-sex partners, including identification cards that will provide access to commissaries and other services. But Pentagon officials said that while some housing payments and health care benefits can’t be included because of federal law, some access to base housing is not specifically prohibited and could be offered in the future.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is giving the military services until Oct. 1 to put the changes into effect and provide 22 benefits to same-sex partners, but he said they should make every effort to get it done by Aug. 31. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on Monday also directed the Coast Guard to implement the same extension of benefits as the military.
Read More at OfficialWire . By Lolita C. Baldor.
Get Informed! Read More About this topic::
- Pentagon Extending Benefits For Gays The military is poised to extend some benefits to the...
- Panetta Set To Announce Expanded Military Role For Women Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta spoke Thursday morning on lifting...
- Obama Guts More Military Benefits Suspension of military tuition assistance; Obama’s budget cut retaliation up-close...
- Who Benefits When Top Military Brass Fall Everyone is preoccupied with the events surrounding the juicy sex...
- Hagel Vows Budget Cuts Won’t Erode US Military WASHINGTON — The Pentagon will not let an impending $46...
