United States Navy Adds Japan As Military Assignment With Benefits To Same Sex Married Couples
by Will Kohler
The
United States Navy now will provide military benefits to gay couples
stationed in Japan after previously denying dependent status to same-sex
spouses there, according to defense officials. The change came after
U.S. and Japanese officials agreed to an interpretation of the status of
forces agreement between the two nations, concluding that the term
“spouses” applied to all individuals who are legally married to
Department of Defense personnel.
The
Navy announced its decision saying in a notice to personnel that it had
added Japan to its list of overseas assignments for same-sex couples.
The move came after the Washington Post published an article exposing
how gay service members and their spouses often miss out on U.S.
benefits while living abroad.
Defense
Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a directive in August ordering the
military to treat all legally married couples equally for purposes of
federal benefits, ensuring that the Pentagon complied with a Supreme
Court ruling this year that overturned a key portion of the Defense of
Marriage Act.
The
American Military Partners Association, a gay-rights group, described
the Navy’s decision as “welcome news” but noted that the armed forces
still do not treat same-sex spouses equally at many duty stations
abroad.
As of this writing the U.S. Navy has only made Japan and Guantanamo Bay available as overseas assignments for gay couples.
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