The President Said It
We've known it all along.
And yesterday, President Obama let America know it. Service members are moving the needle on marriage equality. Here's what he said:
"When I think about members of my own staff who are incredibly committed, in monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together. When I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet, feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask, Don't Tell is gone, because they're not able to commit themselves in a marriage...it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that-- I think same-sex couples should be able to get married."
Last October, SLDN filed landmark litigation on behalf of married gay and lesbian service members and veterans challenging the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) and seeking equal recognition, support, and benefits for all military families - regardless of sexual orientation. Benefits like housing, access to military bases, health care, and survivors' benefits.
And we told America the story of Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard. Just home from deployment to the Middle East. Battling incurable breast cancer. Wife and mother of a five-year old daughter. Sadly, if CW2 Morgan does not triumph in her battle over cancer, her wife Karen will not receive the same benefits and support she would receive if she were not of the same gender.
We must keep telling this story, and the stories of all service members and veterans across this great nation providing the same service, taking the same risks, making the same sacrifices - yet, relegated to second-class status because they are gay or lesbian. And we need your help to do it.
Service members are getting through. They got through to President Obama. They are getting through to the American people, a majority of whom support marriage equality for the first time in our nation's history. Now, we must help them get through to Congress.
05-10-12 By Aubrey Sarvis, Army Veteran & SLDN Executive Director |
