Gay Rights 2013: Pentagon to Extend Benefits to Same-Sex Couples

Impact

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is poised to extend some benefits to the same-sex partners of military members — reported the AP

Officials say that though Panetta has not made a final decision on which benefits will be extended, the Pentagon is likely to allow same-sex partners to have access to the on-base commissary and other military subsidized stores, as well as health and welfare programs.

However, the military is likely to require that "some type of document be signed" to designate the military member's partner as a "legitimate recipient of the benefits."