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New | US Navy's new rule allows gay spouse benefits for troops in Japan

Japan joins Cuba's Guantanamo bay as the only destinations that offer gay marriage perks for US personnel

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Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel (right) issued a directive in August ordering the military to treat all legally married couples equally for purposes of federal benefits. Photo: Reuters

The US Navy will provide military benefits to gay spouses stationed in Japan after previously denying dependent status to them there, according to defence officials.

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The change came after US and Japanese officials agreed to an interpretation of their status-of-forces agreement, concluding that the term “spouses” applies to all individuals who are legally married to Department of Defence personnel.

“We are thankful for the support of the Japanese government as we worked through this review and in supporting our efforts to meet the [department] guidance,” said Lieutenant Colonel David Honchul, a spokesman for the US armed forces in Japan.

It’s good news that everyone else won’t have to go through what I went through. There are so many people who are going to benefit from this policy change
Austin Watkins, defence worker

The US Navy announced its decision last week, saying in a notice to personnel that it had added Japan to its list of overseas assignments for same-sex couples. The move came less than four months after published an article examining how gay service members and their spouses often miss out on US benefits while living abroad.

“It’s good news that everyone else won’t have to go through what I went through,” said Austin Watkins, a gay civilian defence worker who was profiled in the story. “There are so many people who are going to benefit from this policy change, and I’m so glad to see it.”

Watkins said he transferred from Japan to Washington two weeks before the Navy made its announcement. “I feel bad about leaving early and would love to continue to support [the service members in Japan], but I don’t have a desire to work overseas for [the defence department] ever again in my life after this experience.”

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The Navy did not provide its spousal benefits to Watkins’ husband, Joseph Marcey, after Watkins was stationed in Japan shortly after the couple’s wedding.

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