Fairness for LGBT Veterans
With the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, we’ve made great strides toward equality for all Coloradans. But despite overturning DOMA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is not recognizing all legal same-sex marriages. Two Colorado residents, one of whom served in the Air Force for 10 years and was deployed four times, were recently denied federal VA benefits, even though they were lawfully married in a state that allows same-sex marriage. Servicemembers, veterans and their families deserve respect and support during and after their service and this kind of discrimination is simply unacceptable. That’s why I have asked the president to work with the VA to take immediate action to correct this injustice and ensure all veterans can access the benefits they have earned.
If you have further questions about this or any other issue, please contact me with your concerns.
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