Gay soldiers could be given an extra 10 days leave so they can get married in a state that allows same-sex unions, under new proposals from defense secretary Chuck Hagel.
The new rules would replace earlier proposals to give limited benefits to same-sex couples through a system that would require a couple to declare they were committed to one another to receive limited benefits.
Hagel's new proposals would also extend housing and health care benefits to same-sex spouses of members of the military, but while those proposals merely give gays the same benefits as straight members of the military, the gay marriage travel leave would give them extra time-off not available to others.
The proposal was outlined in a draft memo from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, that was obtained by the Associated Press.
"As the Supreme Court's ruling has made it possible for same-sex couples to marry and be afforded all benefits available to any military spouse and family, I have determined, consistent with the unanimous advice of the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that the spousal and family benefits far outweigh the benefits that could be extended under a declaration system," Hagel wrote, according to AP.
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