{{In the US, Pentagon has officially extended some military benefits to same-sex partners, but said provisions like medical coverage would not be offered to gay troops’ spouses due to legal barriers.}}<\/p>\n
US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, who is due to retire this month, said the decision stemmed from the repeal 17 months ago of a ban on openly gay recruits serving in the military.<\/p>\n
“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,” Panetta said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The move, which defence officials had signaled last week, will provide same-sex partners with military identity cards, hospital visitation rights, access to youth and education programs and financial compensation in the event their military spouse dies, a Pentagon memo said.<\/p>\n
“Extending these benefits is an appropriate next step under current law to ensure that all service members receive equal support for what they do to protect this nation,” Panetta said.<\/p>\n
The number of same-sex couples affected by the decision is about 17,000 in the armed forces, including 5,600 active duty service members.<\/p>\n
Aljazeera<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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