HRC Blog

Captain Matthew Phelps outlines how the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act harms his family and other same-sex military couples. 

Because of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, gay and lesbian service members are able to serve openly. However, these brave men and women are still not equal. DOMA denies same-sex military spouses access to nearly 100 benefit programs.

Matthew and his fiancé Ben, who made headlines last year for their public engagement at the White House, recently shared their story of the true impact of DOMA.

Matthew will soon be sent to Japan and in order for Ben to join his fiancé, he must travel as a civilian without the additional allowance other military families are awarded.

Watch the video of their story now and show your support by sharing Facebook.  

HRC is proud to partner with Freedom to Marry in co-chairing the Respect for Marriage Coalition. The Coalition includes more than 80 civil rights, faith, health, labor, business, legal, LGBT, student, and women’s organizations working together to end the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and grow support for marriage equality.