HRC Blog

SOTU Includes Brief Reference to LGBT Community

February 13, 2013 by Maureen McCarty, Online Content and Marketing Manager

Last night President Obama took a brief moment in his fourth address to Congress to reference the LGBT community.

“We will ensure equal treatment for all service members and equal benefits for their families—gay or straight,” said the President.

Earlier this week the Pentagon took a historic step forward to address inequality in our armed forces, announcing an extension of additional benefits to gay and lesbian service members and their families.

We applaud the Pentagon’s move, as well as President Obama’s mention of gay and lesbian service members. However, much work remains. The discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act prevents legally married same-sex couples from receiving more than 1,100 federal benefits and protections.

HRC is working to pass the Respect for Marriage Act and restore the rights and protection of all couples.

Learn more about the Defense of Marriage Act at www.hrc.org/DOMA