Va. benefits law won't help same-sex military couples

Va. benefits law won't help same-sex military couples
The Virginian-Pilot
By Bill Sizemore
Published: March 18, 2014

There's one group of military spouses who won't benefit from new state legislation aimed at helping couples stay together in the transitory world of shifting duty stations: same-sex spouses.

At least, not yet.

One in a series of measures designed to make Virginia one of the most military-friendly states in the country, state Sen. Mamie Locke's bill (SB18) would provide unemployment benefits to a military spouse who voluntarily gives up a job to follow a service member transferred to another location.

The measure was passed overwhelmingly by the General Assembly, and Gov. Terry McAuliffe has said he will sign it.

The legislation comes at a time when the word "spouse" is in legal limbo in Virginia.

An amendment to the state constitution approved by voters in 2006 says "only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions."
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