US military extends many benefits to same-sex partners

The step came 17 months after the Pentagon scrapped its “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” ban on openly serving homosexuals in the U.S. military and will affect the day-to-day lives of their spouses in ways big and small -- from allowing them to finally get military I.D. cards to granting hospital visitation rights.

But outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, in a memorandum explaining the move, noted his actions were limited by U.S. law, specifically the Defense of Marriage Act, which is now being reviewed by the Supreme Court and which defines marriage as a union between a man and woman.

“There are certain benefits that can only be provided to spouses as defined by that law,” said Panetta, who is expected to retire in the coming days.

“While it will not change during my tenure as secretary of defense, I foresee a time when the law will allow the department to grant full benefits to service members and their dependents, irrespective of sexual orientation.”

Pentagon officials estimated the cost of the policy change would be negligible, since it would only affect around 9,000 spouses of active duty and reserve members and another 8,000 retirees.

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