All the same

By Mustang Bobby

Outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has some good news for same-sex couples serving in the military:

Seventeen months ago, the United States military ended the policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." We have implemented the repeal of that policy and made clear that discrimination based on sexual orientation has no place in the Department of Defense.

At the time of repeal, I committed to reviewing benefits that had not previously been available to same-sex partners based on existing law and policy. It is a matter of fundamental equity that we provide similar benefits to all of those men and women in uniform who serve their country. The department already provides a group of benefits that are member-designated. Today, I am pleased to announce that after a thorough and deliberate review, the department will extend additional benefits to same-sex partners of service members.

There are still some benefits that aren't available thanks to the odious Defense of Marriage Act, but for now this is yet another step towards equality. 

(Cross-posted at Bark Bark Woof Woof.)