Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Chuck Hagel Promises To Extend Benefits To Gay And Lesbian Military Families

In an apparent attempt to blunt LGBT opposition to his nomination as Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel is making a lot of noises endeavoring to show that he has had an epiphany on LGBT issues, including the repeal of DADT which he once opposed and even going so far as stating that he will support extending spousal and dependent benefits to LGBT military members' families.  Admittedly, this position on benefits is a matter of simple fairness it will enrage the Bible thumping Neanderthals, many of them are already opposed to Hagel because he hasn't drunk enough of their Kool-Aid and isn't sufficiently extreme in his positions.  Huffington Post looks at the situation.  Here are highlights:

WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel attempted to put to rest any doubt about his commitment to gay rights on Tuesday, saying he supported the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and would work to extend equal benefits to gay and lesbian military families.

"I fully support the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 and value the service of all those who fight for our country," the former Republican senator from Nebraska wrote in a letter to Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). "I know firsthand the profound sacrifice our service members and their families make, and if confirmed as Secretary of Defense, I will do everything possible to the extent permissible under current law to provide equal benefits to the families of all our service members."
Hagel's remarks come after groups like the Log Cabin Republicans questioned his record on LGBT issues.

In 1998, Hagel called James Hormel, then-President Bill Clinton's choice for U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg, “openly, aggressively gay." He characterized Hormel's sexual orientation as an "inhibiting factor" that would prevent him from doing "an effective job."

Hagel recently apologized, saying his 1998 remarks were "insensitive." The Log Cabin Republicans, however, questioned the sincerity of Hagel's retraction and took out full-page ads in The New York Times and The Washington Post criticizing him.

Hagel's response on benefits for gay and lesbian families did not satisfy the group.  "For years the Pentagon has been dragging its feet with regard to extending benefits to the families of gay service members," said Gregory T. Angelo, interim executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, said in a statement to The Huffington Post. "To ensure that action is taken on this front, we need to be sure that there is a champion for our cause at the helm of the defense department.   There is nothing in Hagel's record to suggest he will be that champion.

In his letter to [Senator Barbara] Boxer, Hagel also clarified his views on other hot topics. He said he "strongly" supports the Obama administration's policies regarding Iran sanctions. He again apologized for using the term "Jewish lobby" years ago to refer to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and said he believes the U.S. relationship with Israel is "one that is fundamentally built on our nations [sic] shared values, common interests, and democratic ideals."

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