Same-sex spouses benefits: good or bad, and why?

SFC Ricardo Ruiz — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 21:03:52 -0500

Same-sex spouses of service members are eligible to receive identification cards and all associated benefits, effective Sept. 3, 2013, according to a Department of Defense memorandum.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 12 at 2013 10:18 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 22:18:06 -0500

It is inevitable, but it will open a whole new can of worms for what they can or cannot get that regular marriages get, I support freedom of choice, but the regs were written for certain requirements, now it is going to have to have major overhauls for most regs related to just about everything.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 4:26 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 04:26:59 -0400

Neither, just the way it needs to be

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 10:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 22:13:05 -0400

I think it is good. If the marriage is a legal one, then who are we to question it or what benefits the married couple receives? I don't think that there is any difference between this and interracial couples, couples of different ages, couples of different religions, or shoot, even couples with a height difference. The bottom line is that if they are married, then they deserve the same benefits and protections as the rest of us.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 11:49 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 23:49:16 -0400

I have a Marine in my unit with a same sex spouse and I am happy they receive the same benefits as the rest of us.  If you wear the uniform, you and your family rate it regardless if you are straight, gay, lesbian, transgender, or whatever.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 1 at 2014 11:52 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 23:52:45 -0400

I wore the uniform to ensure the Civil Rights of All. Not just straight white males like myself. I am enough of a Fisherman to know that the Nature Argument doesn't hold water (Lots of different sea life has the capability to change their sexual orientation). A Same Sex Partner should have the same rights and priviliges as any other Spouse. I grew up as a Social Justice Catholic in the 60's and 70's and that pretty much frames my attitude and outlook.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2014 8:15 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 20:15:18 -0400

Who cares? If thats their preference then who am I to judge.

Response by SSG Chris B. made Apr 2 at 2014 10:16 PM

SSG Chris B. — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 22:16:32 -0400

Why is this even a discussion? If a soldier chooses to be in a same sex marriage he or she is still above all a soldier. And as such should be entitled to the same rights and privileges granted any other married soldier. This honestly should be a Non-issue.   <br>

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 3 at 2014 11:51 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 23:51:04 -0400

A benefit by definition is good. So there's that.

Response by SGT James McCue made Apr 4 at 2014 4:32 PM

SGT James McCue — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 16:32:45 -0400

Good.

One of the things I loved about the military is equality. No matter our demographic or our sexual orientation, we were always equals. What does it matter of who sleeps with whom. So why deny the same benefits to a homosexual that a heterosexual receives? If a heterosexual family were denied their current benefits, then all hell would break lose.

My biggest issue are the bigots. Are they trustworthy in the ranks? Are they more capable of impacting unit morale by their discrimination? In my experience, yes. I have known several homosexuals in the ranks, and they are more well behaved than heterosexuals.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 8 at 2014 10:46 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 10:46:08 -0400

Moot point aside from one's personal feelings/beliefs as it is now law and reg....

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 1:01 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 13:01:42 -0400

Barracks will be ghost town in a few years hahahaha. It'll be like chuck and larry