Pentagon May Provide Leave To Soldiers Who Want To Marry In Other States

According to a report issued yesterday by Associated Press, the Pentagon is considering granting up to ten days leave to gay soldiers who need to travel to other states in order to marry.

According to a U.S. official, the memo is under legal review by the Justice Department, and the Pentagon will not be able to take any action until that review is finished. "Although we have bases and installations in all 50 states, not all state laws are equal when it comes to same-sex marriage," a defense official said. "That is why we are looking at providing extra leave for same-sex couples who want to get married to travel to a state where same-sex marriages are legal." The officials were not authorized to discuss the memo publicly, so spoke on condition of anonymity.

The AP also notes that on-base housing and health benefits may be offered to the legal spouses of gay soldiers by the end of this month.