BREAKING: Department of Defense extends benefits to same-sex military families.

[JaneyVee]

Just now:

https://twitter.com/NBCNews/status/301012522037829632

ETA: DoD Memo - http://www.defense.gov/news/Same-SexBenefitsMemo.pdf

[Drale]

1. Its only a matter of time before the Federal Government recognizes Same-Sex Marriage

and then we are really going to see the Repukes through a shit fit.

[el_bryanto]

3. Can the Federal Government do that - i guess for federal employees, it could.

is that what we are talking about?

Bryant

[Drale]

5. Yes but also if (Hopefully when) the supreme court throws down DOMA

then the Government can extend all federal benefits to Same Sex Couples.

[cali]

2. Good news. Here is a link to the list of benefits

http://www.towleroad.com/2013/02/defense-secretary-leon-panetta-extends-benefits-to-gay-and-lesbian-servicemembers-families.html

[CTyankee]

4. shameful that we haven't had this before now but I guess better late than never.

I hope this will help in some way the VAWA get passed in the House...

[rhett o rick]

6. Wonder why they cant include Federal Employees? nm

[cleanhippie]

8. DOMA, I think.

The military has certain benefits that they can extend to same-sex couples because being "married" isn't a requirement. In the memo from SecDef (provided in the link) he addresses that and how DOMA is the last obstacle to extending full equality. When DOMA is gone, Federal employees will have the same treatment.

In a nutshell, it's because the military is different than federal employment.

[cleanhippie]

7. And DOMA is cited as the last roadblock to full equality.

This is big, and I think we are witnessing a great moment in history.

[Scurrilous]

9. K & R