SLDN’s Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis added:
“This case is about one thing, plain and simple. It’s about justice for gay and lesbian service members and their families in our armed forces rendering the same military service, making the same sacrifices, and taking the same risks to keep our nation secure at home and abroad,” said Sarvis. “These couples are in long term, committed, and legally recognized marriages, and the military should not be forced to turn its back on them because the federal government refuses to recognize their families.”
DOMA prevents the military from recognizing same-sex marriages. Benefits like housing, health care, and surviving spousal benefits are unavailable to gay and lesbian couples.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
DOMA is facing several legal challenges currently making their way through the federal court system. Some members of Congress, however, are working toward a legislative solution. “The Respect for Marriage Act” is proposed federal legislation that would repeal DOMA and allow the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill has the support of President Barack Obama but has failed to gain traction in Congress.
For more information on SLDN’s lawsuit, please visit http://www.sldn.org/news/archives/breaking-sldn-files-litigation-on-behalf-of-married-gay-and-lesbian-service/