FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC – (Aug 29, 2013) – Family Equality Council, the national organization that connects, supports and represents the nation’s three million parents who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and their six million children, today praised an announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that it would no longer enforce a section of the U.S. Code that bars gay and lesbian veterans from receiving benefits and protections for their same-sex spouses. This announcement comes on the heels of several decisions by the Federal Government to extend federal benefits and protections to same-sex couples following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against Section 3 of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
“Military families are an honored and cherished part of our nation,” said Gabriel Blau, Executive Director of the Family Equality Council. “This decision to honor the sacrifice and commitment of all military families, including those with married, same-sex parents, is consistent with our greatest American values. These men and women have bravely served our country, their spouses and families have made great sacrifices, and they justly deserve the same benefits and protections as all our service members. We applaud the Obama administration and the Justice Department for ensuring they are treated with the respect and recognition they deserve.”
###
Contact: Sean Carlson | Digital Communications Manager
202.550.2135 | scarlson@familyequality.org