Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-21) has cosponsored H.R. 683, the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act.

Notably with President Obama’s decision to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, there have been attempts by the federal government to grant equality to same-sex servicemembers. However, there are still significant differences between gay and lesbian troops and their straight counterparts in terms of benefits offered to spouses. Same-sex spouses are still restricted from receiving medical and dental care, survivor benefits, and other key benefits and protections afforded to heterosexual spouses.

This bill would allow the same-sex spouses of people currently enlisted in the military to receive the same benefits as heterosexual couples. Specifically, this bill would change the definition of “spouse” in the relevant US code, allowing the Department of Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense to recognize same-sex marriage if it is legally recognized by the state or territory in which they were married and/or reside.

Gay and lesbian servicemembers and their spouses deserve nothing less than equal benefits and protections, and this bill ensures that marriages recognized by a state are also recognized by the military.

To read more about H.R. 683, click here.