Rep. Schiff Praises Pentagon's Decision to Extend Rights to Same-Sex Married Couples

Statement

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) released the following statement after the Department of Defense announced its plan to grant same-sex spouses of military service members federal benefits as early as September:

"Today's announcement that the Department of Defense will extend to legally married same-sex couples the same privileges and programs that are provided to legally married heterosexual couples, including health and housing benefits, is another important step on this nation's road to full equality for all Americans. I am especially pleased that military personnel based in those states where same-sex marriage remains illegal will be offered leave to travel to a jurisdiction that permits same-sex marriage, and I look forward to the day when such travel is no longer necessary. Our military men and women sacrifice every day to defend freedom and equality around the world. The least we can do is make sure they enjoy that equality here at home."

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