Statement by Secretary Napolitano on the Extension of Benefits to Military Same-Sex Partners

The following press release was published by the US Department of Homeland Security on Feb. 11, 2013. It is reproduced in full below.

For Immediate Release DHS Press Office Contact: 202-282-8010 "Today I directed U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Robert Papp to implement the extension of benefits for same-sex domestic partners of Coast Guard Service members in accordance with today's announcement by the Department of Defense. The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard stand with the Department of Defense on the extension of benefits for military same-sex partners. The extension of benefits for military same-sex partners honors our Department's guiding principles to treat all service members and applicants equally and with dignity and respect. We will continue to work closely with the Department of Defense in implementing these changes to ensure we remain aligned with the other military services."

Source: US Department of Homeland Security