“I have further reason to take pride in the Ft. Bragg military community, knowing that we, as military spouses, are able to come together to support each other, our soldiers, and our families,” Ashley Broadway said of the offer.
A spokesperson says the Pentagon is “conducting a deliberative and comprehensive review of the possibility of extending eligibility for benefits, when legally permitted, to same-sex domestic partners.” The review has been ongoing for more than a year.
With the campaign over and the speech done, LGBT advocates will expect tangible action from the White House.
A “guest membership” in the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses has been offered to Ashley Broadway, a lesbian married to a Fort Bragg officer. A group for LGBT servicemembers’ spouses, however, calls the offer “offensive.”
OutServe-SLDN seeks records of Fort Bragg leaders’ discussions regarding the spouses group that meets at the base. The Human Rights Campaign is asking Defense Secretary Panetta for action now to help address the situation.
“Don’t ask, don’t tell” is gone, but don’t tell the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses. The Pentagon is backing the Army’s decision, but the Marines are taking a more inclusive path.
Pentagon officials distanced themselves from the Fort Bragg group’s initial decision to deny lesbian membership in the group.
Officer’s wife excluded for lacking a military ID card. The Pentagon’s nearly 15-month review on benefits changes after “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” now in the spotlight.
