SecDef: DOD welcomes Supreme Court decision

News > SecDef: DOD welcomes Supreme Court decision

SecDef: DOD welcomes Supreme Court decision

Posted 6/26/2013

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6/26/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFPS) -- Defense Department officials will move forward in making benefits available to all military spouses, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said today in a statement issued after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, which had prevented federal agencies from offering all of the same benefits to spouses in same-sex married couples that they provide to other spouses.

Here is the secretary's statement:

The Department of Defense welcomes the Supreme Court's decision today on the Defense of Marriage Act. The Department will immediately begin the process of implementing the Supreme Court's decision in consultation with the Department of Justice and other executive branch agencies. The Department of Defense intends to make the same benefits available to all military spouses -- regardless of sexual orientation -- as soon as possible. That is now the law, and it is the right thing to do.

Every person who serves our nation in uniform stepped forward with courage and commitment. All that matters is their patriotism, their willingness to serve their country and their qualifications to do so. Today's ruling helps ensure that all men and women who serve this country can be treated fairly and equally, with the full dignity and respect they so richly deserve.

(Courtesy American Forces Press Service)

Comments

6/28/2013 11:31:51 AM ET
Glad to see the number of hateful comments have decreased since the beginning of the debates on DADT repeal. Logic reason and respect are winning For you naysayers religious bigotry has no place in American law. That's why DOMA was struck down. Good on the DoD for treating all spouses the same.

Michael McCoy, Tyndall AFB FL

6/28/2013 10:01:10 AM ET
The law is the law. Regardless of my beliefs I agree that we all have the freedom to choose. Some talk of family above like 2 individuals of the same gender can have biological kids between them. This will be the toughest part to explain to young children when they ask the question. Academia will teach them how babies are conceived but it won't be what reality on the outside is. Pray we can all figure this out.

Dave, Fl

6/28/2013 9:28:49 AM ET
D I am with you. I saw it coming so I chose to live off base at my current assignment. I also put my kids in catholic school.

Handy SNCO, Scott

6/28/2013 8:59:36 AM ET
I just finished reading all of your comments. I am totally discussed at our nation and government right now. I am almost ashamed to say that I stand for this country. I just don't know how our leaders can let this happen then stand there on television on days like memorial day etc. and say God bless this nation. Judgement is coming and i sincerely hope the faithful and my two little boys don't have to pay for these mistakes. I agree God guide and help us

TSgt Wimer, Virginia

6/28/2013 12:38:18 AM ET
So many hate filled comments on this article. As a straight person how are you offended at the notion of a serving gay couple who is happy productive and living life by being true integrity to themselves. How does that threaten you Prejudicial and views of inequality nearly broke this country. We are military professionals who execute a duty on the highest order. If you can't handle reality get out and take your argument back in time. We haven't the time or energy to deal with hate immaturity and prejudice. We have a nation to serve.

Happy, California

6/28/2013 12:02:36 AM ET
I personally am a Christian who believes that marriage is between a man and a woman. With that being said I am not in a place to judge others. Everyone will be judged at judgement day. I have coworkers who are gay and you would never know. The work place is not where love lives need to be broadcasted. Your knowledge and work ethic is what people should be noticing about you. I just wish the government would stop trying to destroy my RIGHTS to be a christian. They are all about giving rights to muslims athists gays etc but do not want my children praying in school....to themselves.

SSgt, Overseas

6/27/2013 5:54:27 PM ET
Jim Roberts first if you're ashamed to admit that you were SFS for four years then why are you posting it here unless you're just seeking attention Second if the orientation of the Airman standing next to you is enough to be ashamed of your service then you didn't belong in the greatest Air Power in the first place.

Sam, Mountain Home AFB Idaho

6/27/2013 5:09:46 PM ET
Isn't is hilarious how things are not the right thing to do and leaders will go out of the way to hammer you for something... until said rulinglaw in question is overturnedrepealed and everyone jumps on the bandwagon to praise and celebrate diversity I'm certain 2015 will be the official Year of the Same Sex Spouse

Stuart, Planet Earth

6/27/2013 3:37:58 PM ET
I am a retired colonel and I will not use an initial or fake name here. The presence of gay service members will not hurt our military. Neither does the marriage of two committed gays harm the sanctity of your marriage. We have an all volunteer force. No one is forcing you to stay in. I suspect most of us who serve or have served do so because we love our nation and that includes gays and straights.

Jim Harrold, Omaha

6/27/2013 2:55:39 PM ET
It doesn't matter whether the SecDef welcomes this or not. It's going to happen unfortunately. This is just an example of the Yes Man doing his job.

SF Ret, Texas

6/27/2013 12:05:08 PM ET
It doesn't really matter if the SecDef welcomes it or not. It's going to happen. What else can a Yes Man say

SF Ret, Texas

6/27/2013 11:03:06 AM ET
@D you could tell them the same hate-filled things you probably passed on to their little maids when those darned minorities moved in.

James, Texas

6/27/2013 11:00:52 AM ET
DI'm really glad to hear that you're going to teach your kids yourself instead of letting them learn from malicious gossip and rumors. I can't even imagine how harmful it could be for little kids to look at adults and only be able to see their sex lives instead of seeing a married couple or even the parents of one of their friends. How fortunate that the diversity of on base life will eventually start to resemble the complexity off base life even more There are already so many great teachable moments about family life- what with the single parents and the deployed parents and the multi-ethnic families and of course the families that PCS away which lead to talks of sadness and communication. Actually as I started listing our families I was reminded of how wonderful and strong and diverse we are. There's no way to label or categorize them and it trivializes their strength to think that they'll be thrown or hurt by this eventual change. Our families are so much better t

SM Tracy, Bible Belt Texas

6/27/2013 10:46:45 AM ET
@D I wonder how many times throughout history a statement was made like the one you made but you replace same gender with black hispanic asian...

T, USA

6/27/2013 10:02:59 AM ET
D - You will do the same as those of us who live off base. By the way you do not have to agree with a persons lifestyle - nor do you have to instill a disparaging attitude in your children when you explain it. I do not have to agree with people on political religious or social issues in order to peaceably live or work with them. As long as you act like a grown up - you will be fine.

Realistic, OCONUS

6/27/2013 8:57:37 AM ET
i am thrilled that people in my unit will be taken care of and their spouses and families will be recognized and cared for. As for having to explain why same gender couples are living in base housing to your children...i say grow up. If that is a difficult conversation for you to have then perhaps parenting isn't the job for you. There will be many more difficult moments in a childs life than discussing a family that doesn't look like yours. I am sure your child will be ok with it as long as you don't pollute their mind with your backward biggoted thinking.

M, germany

6/27/2013 8:39:28 AM ET
The SECDEF and the Department should be dispassionate to the Supreme Court decision especially given the divisiveness of the issue. The DoD will follow the law and should provide no comment as to whether it is right or wrong which is a matter of perspective. In his announcement Secretary Hagel further alienated all of those who believe marriage is defined as a sacred bond between one man and one woman.

Me, Does it matter

6/27/2013 8:09:45 AM ET
The oath of enlistment states that all military members will support and defend the Constitution....not stomp on it because we disagree with SCOTUS. Time to ruck up and move on. We are supposed to be military professionals...time to act like it.

A SNCO, An AFB Near You

6/27/2013 5:06:32 AM ET
D after you explain that to your kids maybe you can explain why you're a bigot.

M, USAF base in England

6/27/2013 2:50:02 AM ET
Welcome to planet earth... While you are at it maybe explaining to your children why people of different color are together as well might be beneficial to their young molding minds. Geez....

A, England

6/27/2013 1:57:05 AM ET
@ D East Coast. It's called equality. How would you feel if you were objectified by your neighbors because of your straight lifestyle and the spouse you live with Being gay is not a disease it is not an unlucky predicament it is an unchosen virtue to embrace with pride. I would do yourself a favor and not instill this type of prejudicial fear in your kids for their benefit. Instead please embrace diversity and keep serving this great country of ours

Happy, California

6/27/2013 1:35:51 AM ET
Hmmm what's next...DoD funded sex-changes Dudes wearing make up in uniform You know I've seen these people proudly displaying their pride on their gym bags etc... but no one says anything. I believe I will organize a heterosexual pride day I will make hetero pride stickers buttons etc...I wonder how that would go over

R, USAFE

6/27/2013 12:34:34 AM ET
@D Maybe you can have the same discussion when you explain why the raceminority live down the street together. If you don't like the changes the military is making for it's service members feel free to get the hell out and take your bigot views with you.

Figgs, Osan AB RoK

6/26/2013 11:53:03 PM ET
D East Coast I have a feeling that your kids will actually explain it to you. Get over it. I really have zero desire to move on base with my future husband because gays tend be more fabulous than that. You are making me reconsider though. The look on your face may be too priceless to pass up.

DC, Maxwell AFB

6/26/2013 9:44:33 PM ET
@D- oh yes heaven forbid you have to actually PARENT your children That's the main job of a parent to teach them about the world.

N, Afghanistan

6/26/2013 9:08:32 PM ET
Just like it's none of your business it's none of your kids business.

A, Texas

6/26/2013 9:04:53 PM ET
We shall overcome. It was right in the 50's and 60's and it's right now.

Melissa, Georgia

6/26/2013 8:21:13 PM ET
I could not help but notice you did not want to use your full name when posting your hateful comment. Your attitude towards your fellow service members is disgusting. Do us a favor and go to your CC and tell them that you want out of the Air Force. I still cannot believe that in today's military there are people that are wanting to deny their fellow Airmen Sailors Soldiers Marines and Coast Guardsmen the same basic benefits that the rest of us get for volunteering to serve.

MSgt Shane Richardson, MD

6/26/2013 6:22:19 PM ET
Quote Every person who serves our nation in uniform stepped forward with courage and commitment. All that matters is their patriotism their willingness to serve their country and their qualifications to do so. End Quote. Yes Hon. Mr. Secretary and NOT because I support homosexuality which I do not but because I support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic. This must always be made clear. And yes Sir would die for ALL Americans no matter their race religion creed or sins.

Concerned Airman, Wild Blue Yonder

6/26/2013 4:51:02 PM ET
I'm ashamed to tell anyone that I served 4 years active duty as a Security Police sergeant in the Air Force.

Jim Roberts, St. Louis MO

6/26/2013 4:25:05 PM ET
Woe to those who call evil good and good evilwho put darkness for light and light for darkness...--Isaiah 520Our society is turned upside down. America and its military is rolling over for anything. God help us. And if today's SCOTUS decision isn't bad enough I read this headline yesterday. Air Force Secretary Touts Gay Pride' Events in Afghanistan Where Homosexuality is Illegal. Even if you hate God's standards doesn't your political correctness have respect for your Islamic allies

Richard Andersen, Sacramento CA

6/26/2013 4:20:55 PM ET
I support marriage equality. I just started a petition on the White House petitions site We the People. Will you sign it http wh.govlO6zI

Chris Townsend, Kernersville NC

6/26/2013 4:17:56 PM ET
Great instead of waiting 3-6 months for a Dr appt. now I will never get one. I look forward to paying higher tri care fees as these additional folks who have never served are added to our already over burdened medical system. I am so glad my taxes will go up to pay for these additional people getting benefits. joy

MSgtK, Spokane

6/26/2013 4:12:30 PM ET
I'm sorry but that's just BS with a capital B. As a retiree all I've been hearing for the last few years is how my bennies that I earned are being scaled back and how I have to pay more and more for something that was promised as free and yet the Pentagon is going to add even more people to the rolls This contry is turning into a nightmare with Obama in charge

Jay SMSgt ret, DC

6/26/2013 3:35:21 PM ET
The SECDEF is an presidential appointee why would we expect him to have a different response to this decision. Pandora's box is now open and the rest of society's abnormal behaviors will have to be given special and equal protection.

Nobel, Defender

6/26/2013 3:01:27 PM ET
Congrats to those who were patiently waiting for this to finally happen Today is a great day tomorrow is business as usual

A, United States of America

6/26/2013 2:34:59 PM ET
Can't wait to have to explain to the kids why our new neighbors down the street in base housing are the same gender

D, East Coast

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