Lucas,
This week, the Pentagon announced it would finally extend critical benefits to same-sex spouses of members of the military.
This move has been a long time coming. It’s here now because we fought for it.
Gay rights activists and many public officials have been pressing for this change, arguing that it is time we provide these families the access to care, services and facilities they deserve.
Last week, as members of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Shaheen and I sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta urging him to end this blatant discrimination. Days later, Secretary Panetta announced the Pentagon would do just that.
Please join us in thanking him for making this critical change.
This is just one more step toward achieving full equality for gays and lesbians throughout our society. We are proud that the Department of Defense has made this decision and hope it will lead to even more positive developments for the LGBT community in the near future.
Sincerely,
Kirsten Gillibrand